Saturday, 20 October 2018

OCTOBER 2018 : ITALY : VIA DI FRANCESCO : DAY 24 : Poggio Bustone - Rieti - 18 kms - 7 hours


An excellent walking day for us today. Quiet roads, forest paths with lots of scenic views with a few tricky steep rocky sections..but we just took them slowly and survived unscathed.
Unlike most days there was an opportunity for coffee and buying food along the way.


Dawn over the valley from our window at Poggio Bustone


Steep descent from the top of the village


The Tau sign adopted by St Francis.
It has several symbolic meanings - it is the last letter in the Hebrew alphabet and implies the completion of the revealed word.
In Francis’ time it was considered a sign that gave protection from the plague and worn as an amulet.
But for Francis it symbolised the cross.


We were soon on a gravel track


With clear views back to Poggio Bustone


Beautiful morning on good tracks


Hunters out with their barking dogs echoing over the valley


On a minor road before heading off on a high forest path


Views to the valley below


Views ahead to Cantalice


Coffee at a cafe at the base of the town


Then we climbed to the top


In the church forecourt


A dynamic sculpture of St Francis on the crossroads on the highway


Onto a minor road


Some farms with livestock



After some steep gravel tracks we arrived at the peaceful Sanctuario La Foresta


The monastery with some pilgrim rooms available


Lunch stop


Manicured gardens


Back on the highway until Rieti


Walking in to town


The city walls


The forecourt of the Cathedral Santa Maria Asunta with the Papal Palace next door.


Papal palace exhibition




Palazzo Governo


Antique market in the main piazza




We are staying in a small street off Piazza San Francesco



We found our accommodation, a key in the letterbox


L’Angelo Pellegrino - €50 with food provided for breakfast


Impressive set up




Everyone out in the streets tonight. We had a drink in the main piazza and enjoyed the atmosphere on another surprisingly warm evening.






We found a traditional trattoria to share our last meal with Hans and Ingelise. We might walk in Denmark next year.


M&M

1 comment:

Julie said...

Denmark sounds nice and flat !, I’m really tempted by this walk with the aide of public transport. You’ve inspired me, yet again.xx