Via Francigena- Day 15

Acquapendente to Bolsena

15.6 Miles; 7.5 Hours on the trail                              (Cumulative: 181.8 Miles; 93.7 Hours on the trail)

Leaving Acquapendente

Cathedral of the Holy Sepulchre & Julia de Jacopo Tower


Today we saw many bird hunters & their dogs in the fields.


Gina had a cappuccino pick-me-up in San Lorenzo Nuovo.


Lake Bolsena is Europe’s  largest lake created by a volcanic eruption & is Italy’s  5th largest lake.
It is considered among the cleanest lakes in Europe.

Lake Bolsena view from San Lorenzo Nouvo
Lake Bolsena


Saw another shepherd moving his flock today; but, he had 3 ea. well- trained dogs helping. He commanded them by whistle calls.

Taking a break in the shade


The shepherd couldn’t speak English; but, through gestures & making a chomping sound, we figured out he was moving his flock to a different field to eat.



Other sights on the trail today:

Encountered a huge horse riding party on the trail.

This photo is only 1/3 of the horse train that passed us
Italy has 4 ea. poisonous snakes; Most common is the Asp Viper.


This marker commemorates the 500 year anniversary from when Swiss soldiers passed this spot in San Lorenzo Nouvo on their way to Rome to become the Swiss Guard defending the Pope & the Vatican.
Wild Autumn Crocuses


Bolsena is a beautiful little lakeside town with a charming medieval quarter.

Entering Bolsena, we passed  Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara (also known as Castello Monaldeschi).


Built between the 11th & 14th Centuries, this fortress was  the powerful Monaldeschi family’s residence.
They ruled Bolsena until 1451.



Scenes from Bolsena’s medieval quarter:


Porta San Francesco (St Francis Gate) is the entrance to Bolsena’s  medieval village for travellers
coming from Rome
This sculpture shows sea shells being worn as earrings. A sea shell is the Camino’s symbol because it is carried by pilgrims.


Still heading for Rome with 147.8 KM to go.

Tomorrow’s destination is Montefiascone.

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