Via Francigena: Torrenieri to San Quirico

Описание: Che bella regione! (What a beautiful area!)

We walked just 6 miles in preparation for two challenging (long, steep ascents!) days ahead. And a delightful route it was. As John remarked, all through the Tuscan region, you have to remember to stop and look behind you, all around you. Inevitably, there is an enchanting vista to behold.

After a quick breakfast at a old-style bakery cafe decked out in anticipation of Easter, we started out at a great pace, quickly shedding our layers in the bright sun. Plenty of time to stop and take in flora and fauna (even wild tulips!) and fly the drone. We continued to have the inactive Monte Amiata volcano in our sites, the tallest mountain around at 5,700 feet, only 6 miles south of us now.

Not many cars pass, perhaps 10 a day, for the short intervals when we are on auto-worthy roads. A handful of bikers whiz by now and then. One kind local man paused from his bike ride to wait for us at an intersection and point us on the “bellissimo” path.

The charming art-filled little Collegiata di San Quirico church greeted us upon arrival to the fortified town of San Quirico d’Orcia. Dining al fresco at one of the only restaurants serving lunch was a treat (ribollita soup and more homemade pici pasta). Numerous vines fanned out from a thick gnarled trunk in one corner of the large terrace to create a massive canopy.

#viafrancigena #catholic #camino #pilgrimage