Via Francigena Days 39 and 40: Bolsena to Montefiascone & Montefiascone to Viterbo

Sunday, September 28th

Our route today from Bolsena to Montefiascone had us primarily on quiet gravel roads and peaceful forest paths with numerous views of Lake Bolsena as we climbed the hills high above the lake. Although we had a few steep hills throughout the day for a total elevation gain of 1800+ feet over 10.6 miles, it was a pleasurable walk.

In Montefiascone, we visited the Basilica di Santa Margarita and its Crypt of Saint Lucia Filippini where the incorrupt (non-decomposed) body of Saint Lucia is housed under the basilica’s high altar. Sculptures of the Stations of the Cross (the largest I have ever seen) line the interior walls of the crypt.

According to the signposts in Montefiascone, we have 100 km to Rome. Only 6 more days of walking!

View of Lake Bolsena and one of its islands

Tranquil forest path

A mushroom forager shows us the chanterelle
mushrooms he found

Cairns left by passing pilgrims

View of the Basilica di Santa Margarita

One of the bigger-than-life size stations of 
the cross

The tomb of Saint Lucia Filippini

Monday, September 29th

On our way out of town this morning we stopped at the pilgrim viewpoint for a last look at Lake Bolsena before heading down the hill and out of town. After a long 3.5-mile downhill walk, we had a short climb and then the rest of the way was relatively flat. Total mileage was 11.5 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain. 

Part of our route today was along the ancient Via Cassia, a road built by the Romans in the 2nd c. BC to link Rome with Florence. We also traveled gravel roads and forest paths as we walked through more farmlands. Farmers are busy either tilling or harvesting their fields. 

View of Lake Bolsena from the pilgrim viewpoint

Walking the Via Cassia

Tending sheep

One last view of Montefiascone

Pilgrim welcome sign to Viterbo

View of Viterbo's charming old town

Another charming street

The sculpted doors of Viterbo's
Cathedral of San Lorenzo