My Italian Link - Issue #09 My Italian Link Issue #09

32 T R AV E L G U I D E Via Francigena pilgrim path, Tuscany CAMMINI DI FEDE VATICAN CITY: Lazio’s history is varied and vast. It’s a profoundly religious region. The Cammini di Fede are four hiking trails based on archaic pilgrimages, running through the five provinces. They are a truly unique way to explore Lazio; slowly, and with reticence. Their itineraries include monasteries, mosques, synagogues and hamlets - and, as always, all roads lead to Rome. EVENTS IN LAZIO -- Throughout the year, Lazio’s ancient towns host numerous pageants, festivals, concerts and markets. Here’s our list of some of Lazio's most entertaining events this year! LAZIO’S SPIRITUAL TRAILS Cammino di Benedetto From Umbria, this trail follows St. Benedict’s journey. You’ll pass by the abbeys he founded, such as Santa Scolastica in Subiaco, the Holy Valley, and the cave where he once lived. Some of the most beautiful examples of Cistercian Gothic architecture can be found along this trail, which have full impact after miles on the open road. Cammino di Francesco Follow in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi from Umbria, ente- ring Lazio through Rieti. The trail follows the Via Salaria, an An- cient Roman road which will take you all the way to Piazza San Pietro and the Vatican. Don’t miss Greccio, where St. Francis created the first living nativity scene in 1223. See portal.visitlazio.com/cammini for more. Shrine erected by St. Francis of Assisi, in Greccio ROME: GOOD TO KNOW! There are several tours by the local tourism authorities that include accommodation and food for each trail. Once you get to Rome, visit the pilgrims office for an official completion certificate. ~ Trajan: Building the Empire, Creating Europe Until 16 September, 2018 1,900 years after Emperor Trajan’s death, this exhibition explores what it means to build an empire at the Mercati di Traiano. www.mercatiditraiano.it Estate Romana June - October, 2018 A.K.A. the ‘Roman Summer’, this citywide programme offers music, film and theatre performances. www.estateromana.comune.roma.it Taste of Roma 20 - 23 September, 2018 Sample food from Rome’s top chefs or take a traditional cooking class in Rome’s beautiful Flaminio district. www.tasteofroma.it Feast of St. Francis 4 October, 2018 Every year, Romans celebrate this saint by laying stunning wreaths around the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. Fia Formula E Championship 13 April, 2019 The world’s first fully electronic single-sea- ter motor race series takes place at Rome’s Circuito Cittadino dell’EUR. www.fiaformulae.com Santa Scolastica in Subiaco CASTELLI ROMANI: Sagra dell’Uva, Marino 5 - 8 October, 2018 The 94 th edition of the Marino wine festival features a fountain in the centre of the town that flows with wine! www.sagradelluvamarino.it Carnevale di Frascati February, 2019 (TBA) Experience a smaller, but by no means les- ser version of Carnevale parades, fireworks and celebrations! www.comune.frascati.rm.it Papal Audiences Every month, various dates 2018 Attend a general audience (Wednesdays) or recital of the Angelus prayerr (on Sun- days at noon) with the pope in St. Peter’s square. www.vatican.va LAKE DISTRICT: Festa Contadina, Bracciano Mid September, 2018 (TBA) This charming farmers’ festival brings all surrounding towns together for traditional food, music and folk poetry readings. www.parcobracciano.it Infiorata di Bolsena 1 st week of June, 2019 (TBA) The 1263 Bolsena miracle is celebrated every year with fireworks and this unique flower festival, where images are created from blossoms. www.comunebolsena.it VITERBO: Festa della Castagna, Soriano nel Cimino 1 st & 2 nd week of October, 2018 Just outside Viterbo, this small town cele- brates the Italian chestnut with tastings, markets, and costumed re-enactments. Macchina di Santa Rosa 3 September, 2019 Every year for over 750 years, this 52-tonne tribute to Viterbo’s patron saint has been carried 1km across the city. TIVOLI: Via Francigena del Nord & del Sud This is the oldest and longest pilgrimage route, stretching 2,000km from Canterbury (England) to Rome. In Lazio, the del Sud trail starts near Campania, while the del Nord trail starts from Tuscany. Both cover the breathtaking landscapes of national parks, Viterbo and the Castelli Romani. Vatican Museums by Night Until 26 October, 2018 Buy yourself a Metrobus or eRoma card and your next stop could be a truly unique tour of the Vatican by night on Fridays! www.museivaticani.va Festa di San Sebastiano, Castel Gandolfo 31 August - 1 September, 2019 (TBA) The lakeside town erupts with cultural and social events to celebrate its patron saint, culminating in fireworks over the lake. www.comune.castelgandolfo.rm.it Jeux d’Art, Villa d’Este July - November, 2018 International classical music concerts and showcases throughout the summer mon- ths, including in the famous gardens! www.villadestetivoli.info Sere d’Estate (Summer Evenings) July - August, 2019: Villa Adriano (TBA) June - September, 2019: Villa d’Este (TBA) Stunning evening tours and cultural and theatrical events every Friday at these two ancient and historical landmarks. www.villaadriana.beniculturali.it 33

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