Via Francigena: Montefiascone to Viterbo

Описание: “L’abito non fa il monaco.” (Don’t judge a book by its cover. Literally, the dress does not make the monk.)

Today’s walk brought us on more unusual road surfaces and included unusual flora. We even saw exotic birds (!) being trained. There was a massive cemetery at one point on the trek which is at least two blocks long.

We enjoyed our lodgings and our quiet hip host Daniele. Our dinner was at a restaurant named “EAT” where we had yummy pizza accompanied by a little American music — Otis Redding anyone?

With its 67,000 person population, Viterbo is unassuming and average-seeming when you enter. However, it is considered one of the best preserved medieval towns and dates back to Etruscan times. It boasts many charming piazzas and has oft-been a film setting. We especially enjoyed the San Pellegrino quarter. How did you come upon it, you may ask. Well…a mysterious French-speaking Italian gent (straight out of “Town & Country magazine) kept crossing our path and at one point pretty much insisted on taking us there. So kind, and we loved it.

We visited churches here — surprise! They included: Sant’Angelo in Spatha, Santa Maria Nuova and a peek at least at the Cathedral of San Lorenzo (closed for floor cleaning but doors open!). There is also a lovely Papal Place.

Said palace leads to a fascinating story. Do you know why the pope is elected as he is today? As we learned, in 1271 they were taking a VERY VERY VERY long time to elect the new pope here in Viterbo. After nearly three years (!), they locked everyone in the palace and stopped giving them food. Suddenly, they had a pope— Gregory X! The new process we have today was born out of this extremely protracted vote.

With all its history, charming churches and ancient streets and sections, in the end, we were won over by Viterbo!

Avanti:

#pilgrimage #viafrancigena #camino #catholic