Cycling the Via Francigena: A Journey from Alps to Rome

A bicycle journey retraces the steps of a historic pilgrimage from the Alps to Rome. The route follows the Italian portion of the Via Francigena, a trail with deep historical roots.

The trip covers diverse terrains, moving from high elevations to the paved streets of the capital. It traces a path established in the 10th century by Bishop Sigerico, passing through regions such as Lombardy and Tuscany.

The narrative focuses on the sensory experience of the journey, noting the contrast between the natural landscape and the urban architecture of the final destination.

The Via Francigena represents a significant historical corridor connecting Northern Europe to Rome. The bicycle journey retraces this ancient path, focusing specifically on the Italian leg of the route.

Travelers begin their recorrido in the high altitudes of the Alps. The environment here is distinct, where summer rain transforms into snow at higher elevations.

This trail is not merely a physical path but a historical one. It follows the itinerary documented by Bishop Sigerico in the 10th century, providing a direct link to medieval history.

The route traverses some of Italy's most picturesque regions. The journey moves from the northern peaks through Lombardy and into the rolling hills of Tuscany.

The landscape is described as having a memory of its own. The terrain shifts from rugged mountain paths to the empedrado (cobblestone) streets that lead into the final city.

Cyclists encounter a variety of scenery along the way:

• High-altitude Alpine environments
• The plains and hills of Lombardy
• The iconic landscapes of Tuscany
• The urban architecture of Rome

The culmination of the ride is the city of Rome. The approach is described as a paved path leading to a square that takes the shape of an embrace.

The final views include significant architectural landmarks. The route reveals columns and fuentes de agua clara (fountains of clear water).

One specific observation regards the dome that has not been seen for many centuries. The text notes that the facade of San Pedro obscured this view, suggesting that art often reaches the soul 'in a low voice' before it is visually perceived.