walking into Rome after a 2000 km journey…..
- Imperial and Christian Rome
One leaves a city alone for 2000 years and what happens. It becomes a ruin. I’m talking about Rome of course.
Our journey- the Via Francigena, part walking, part public transport began 2000 km away in Canterbury, England. Crossing the Alps was fantastic – via St Bernard’s Pass.
The day before we arrived in Rome we had overnighted in Capranica. The next morning we boarded a bus to visit Veio, the ancient Etruscan capital of this area.
After Veio we made our way to the fantastically historic Milvian Bridge, the turning point in the fortunes for the fledgling Christian groups spread around the Roman Empire.
Constantine the Great
It was here that Constantine the Great had a vision of his victory over Maxentius under the ‘Chi Rho’ banner. Constantine won the battle next day and was soon on his way to be the sole ruler of the Roman empire.
We walked along the old Via Flaminia to the Porto del Popolo and then along the Tiber River.
Across the Ponte Sant’Angelo and finally to Piazza San Pietro. Imperial Rome was in ruins, but it had been superceeded by Christian Rome.
What is it about Rome….
What is it about Rome that attracts such global empires? Was it the Seven Hills and easy access to water? Where there an abundance of Ley Lines?
Whatever it was – the old Roman Empire was transformed into an equally powerful, controlling Holy Roman Church.
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Hi Almis,
Just came across your excellent blog and wonder if you would be willing to let us use an extract for our next publication. Paul and I produce the LightFoot Guides to the Via Francigena (you can find out more from our website http://www.pilgrimagepublications.com/the%20via%20francigena.htm) and for the 2010 edition have decided to add the Companion to the via Francigena (http://www.pilgrimagepublications.com/COMPANION.htm). This will include all the historical information we could not put into the guides, plus personal accounts like yours, which we think will help to bring the experience to life for people who are considering the pilgrimage.
Really hope you are agreeable, you will, of course receive a complementary copy.
Best regards
Babette
Hi Babette,
you’re most welcome to use the extract. It was great to meet you both on the Via Francigena – on horseback! I still tell that story to students on my Road to Rome course. Have a look at the blog article “You knew it would come in handy 2” under walking gear.
cheers… Almis.
Indeed, the great blog, sounds good. Thanks. Celtic Trails is the leading provider of high quality walking holidays in Britain, manage guided and private walking trips throughout England, Wales and Scotland.
On Thursday 29 September, was taken to the Ruins of Rome and saw the most fascinating site, it makes the hair on my neck stand up. I took 25 pictures of this site and now have one picture on my desk top, I can’t stop looking at it and wondering what life was like in that time period. We spent 6 days in Rome and were chauffeured around the most fabulous city.