The fourty ninth stage of hiking
Campagnano - La Storta
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Basic information about the trail
This trail takes you from the charming village of Campagnano to the Roman suburb of La Storta, offering a powerful experience as you walk the final stretch towards the Eternal City.
This stage is approximately 23 km long and is considered to be of medium difficulty, blending rural landscapes with the first glimpses of urban Rome. Your journey begins with a walk past the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the impressive Porta Romana in Campagnano. As you hike, you’ll pass by key spiritual and historical sites, including the peaceful Santuario della Madonna del Sorbo in Formello. Further along, the path leads to the ancient Santuario di Portonaccio and the striking Castello di Isola Farnese, landmarks that enrich your pilgrimage with a sense of timeless history.
This segment is more than just a hike; it is a symbolic approach to Rome, a destination that holds immense significance for the legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius. It provides a profound sense of connection to history, bridging the great traditions of both Eastern and Western Christianity, culminating in your arrival at La Storta.
What's ahead of us?
Starting point: Campagnano di Roma
Ending point: La Storta
Distance: 22,7 km
Estimated travel time: 6:44 hours
Difficulty: medium
Altitude: ascent 403 m, descent 520 m
Surface: paved asphalt road, forest and field paths
Critical points: None
Our tip:
Take plenty of food and drink with you, as there are sections of the trail with no food available for purchase during the hike.
What can be seen?
Archaeological, pilgrimage, technical and natural monuments.
Church of Saint John Baptist
- Via S. Giovanni, 37, 00063 Campagnano di Roma
- campagnanoedintorni.it
- donrenzotanturli@virgilio.it
- +39 06/9041094
Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista: A Historical Gem in Campagnano di Roma
Discover the fascinating history and artistic treasures of the Church of St. John the Baptist, a true medieval masterpiece in the heart of Campagnano di Roma. This historic site, a must-see for anyone visiting the Lazio region, beautifully blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles.
The Rich History of the Church of St. John the Baptist
The foundation of the church dates back to the 13th century, a period when its original medieval structure began to take shape. Over time, the building was significantly expanded, with major work taking place between 1515 and 1530. Later, between the 17th and 19th centuries, further renovations refined its appearance.
The façade proudly maintains its original medieval charm, highlighted by a stunning Gothic portal. In contrast, the Baroque bell tower, added in 1602 and restructured in the 1700s, rises as a prominent local landmark.
Inside, the church features a spacious interior with three naves supported by pillars. The lateral naves are characterized by beautiful cross-vaulted ceilings. The presbytery, a later addition, is a masterpiece from the late 16th century, attributed to Giacomo Del Duca, a respected assistant to the legendary artist Michelangelo.
Artistic Highlights and Architectural Details
A key feature of the church is its magnificent polychrome wooden coffered ceiling, also credited to Giacomo Del Duca. It stands as a testament to the high-level craftsmanship of the era.
Among the precious artworks housed within the church are the intricate frescoes by the famous brothers Federico and Taddeo Zuccari. These paintings depict the “Stories of the Virgin” and the “Stories of St. John,” offering visitors a visual journey through these significant biblical tales.
Other notable features include:
- A bricked-up circular window and a Gothic portal, accessible via a wide peperino stone staircase.
- A secondary altar in the presbytery, adorned with a frontal piece dedicated to the Madonna of Loreto.
- Four splayed circular windows on the side wall, which add a unique architectural element to the exterior.
Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a pilgrim walking the Via Francigena, the Church of St. John the Baptist in Campagnano di Roma offers an unforgettable experience. Come and explore its timeless beauty and profound spiritual heritage.
Porta Romana
- Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 1, 00063 Campagnano di Roma
- campagnanoedintorni.it
- protocollo@pec.comunecampagnano.it
- +39 389 5076560
Porta Romana: The Timeless Gateway to Campagnano
Step back in time as you approach the historic center of Campagnano di Roma through its most significant entrance: Porta Romana. Also known as Porta Maggiore, this impressive stone gate is more than just an archway; it's a living piece of history that tells the story of the town's evolution and its strategic importance. As you enter, you're following a path walked for centuries by pilgrims.
History Forged in Stone
The gate you see today was built in 1714 under the direction of the powerful Chigi family, the new lords of the Campagnano castle. Constructed from solid, unadorned stonework, it was designed for strength and permanence, with stone even being repurposed from the older medieval gate it replaced. Its simple, robust design reflects a focus on utility over excessive decoration, a testament to the practical mindset of the era.
Beyond the gate, you can imagine the three-arched bridge that once spanned a marshy ditch, a crucial part of the town’s defensive and sanitation systems. This bridge was later filled in at the end of the 19th century to create the modern Piazza Regina Elena.
A Connection to the Past and Present
Porta Romana stands as a powerful symbol of Campagnano’s history. It represents not only a physical barrier but also a gateway to the past, marking the transition from the modern world into the charming and authentic historical core of the town. A walk through this gate is a journey through time, allowing you to appreciate the enduring heritage of Campagnano and the rich tapestry of its history.
Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Sorbo
- Str. del Sorbo, 00063 Campagnano di Roma
- www.parrocchiaformello.it/il-sorbo/
- museo@comune.formello.rm.it
- +39 333 491 2252
Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Sorbo: A Spiritual and Natural Oasis in Formello
Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of the Veio Regional Park, the Santuario della Madonna del Sorbo offers a captivating blend of history, faith, and nature. This ancient sanctuary, perched on a dramatic cliffside in the Sorbo valleys, is a must-visit destination for pilgrims, hikers, and anyone seeking a moment of peace and reflection near Rome.
The Legend of the Miraculous Shepherd
The sanctuary’s origins are rooted in a captivating local legend that draws visitors from all over. The story tells of a young shepherd boy from Formello who, while grazing his pigs, noticed one of the animals kneeling in prayer at the base of a large rowan tree (in Italian, sorbo). Upon investigation, he discovered a hidden icon of the Virgin Mary nestled in the tree’s branches.
The Virgin spoke to the boy, asking him to have a sanctuary built on that very spot. As proof of her request, she performed a miracle: the shepherd, who had a broken arm, reached into his pocket and pulled it out, completely healed. This miraculous event inspired the construction of the sanctuary, and the revered image of the Madonna has been preserved there ever since.
A Journey Through Centuries of Faith and Art
Originally a medieval castle in the 10th century, the site was later transformed into a Carmelite monastery in 1427. Over the centuries, the sanctuary has undergone numerous restorations and expansions, each adding to its unique architectural character. Today, it stands as a testament to centuries of devotion and is a significant stop on the historic Via Francigena pilgrimage route.
Inside, visitors can admire a precious icon of the Madonna with Child, believed to date back to the 11th-13th century. The peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by lush forests and scenic paths, makes the sanctuary an ideal location for contemplation, meditation, and even weddings.
Plan Your Visit
The Santuario della Madonna del Sorbo is located within the Veio Park, at the border of Campagnano di Roma and Formello. The area is a haven for nature lovers, with well-marked trails perfect for trekking, mountain biking, and exploring the natural beauty of the Roman countryside. The sanctuary also offers amenities like benches, a water fountain, and restrooms for a comfortable visit.
Portonaccio Sanctuary
- Via della mola di, 00100 Isola Farnese
- parcodiveio.it
- comunicazione@parcodiveio.it
- +39 06 9042774
Santuario di Portonaccio: An Ancient Etruscan Jewel
Discover a profound connection to a lost civilization at the Santuario di Portonaccio, one of the most important archaeological sites along the trail. Located near the ancient Etruscan city of Veii, this sanctuary is not just a ruin but a window into a powerful and artistic past, offering a unique highlight for pilgrims on their approach to Rome. Dating back to the 7th century BC, the sanctuary was a major religious center and one of the most revered sites in all of Etruria. It was famously decorated with elaborate polychrome terracotta statues, including the celebrated Apollo of Veii, a masterpiece of Etruscan art now housed in the National Etruscan Museum. While the original statues are in Rome, the site itself allows you to walk through the sacred space where these masterpieces once stood.
The sanctuary’s strategic location on an ancient road leading to the coast meant it was a bustling hub of spiritual activity for centuries. Today, the Santuario di Portonaccio stands as a powerful reminder of the long history of pilgrimage to Rome, offering a moment of reflection on the many cultures and faiths that have journeyed this path before you.
Where to eat and sleep?
Restaurants and accommodation along the trail.
Hotel Cassia
- Via Cassia, 1736 secondo piano, 00123 Rome
- www.hotelcassia.com
- info@hotelcassia.com
- +39 06 30 89 17 72
Casa Nostra Signora
- Via Cassia 1826, 00118 Rome
- www.casanostrasignora.it
- info@casanostrasignora.it
- +39 06 30 890 863
Hotel Tempio di Apollo
- Piazza della Colonnetta 8, Rome
- www.hotelromacassia.it
- info@tempiodiapollo.com
- +39 06 30890595
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Photogallery
Photos from hiking.
Why walk the trails of the Cyril and Methodius Route?
The long-distance trails of the Cyril and Methodius Route invite you to pilgrimage sites and archaeological sites that have contributed significantly to the development of Slavic culture. They are signposted in both directions and encourage wandering without borders, not only state borders.
- Experience: you'll be surprised what you can do
- Great signposting: tourist signposting
- Incredible landscape: we wander through the countryside off the busy stretches
What can be obtained?
Perhaps everyone likes to bring back something from hiking, be it various tourist and souvenir items. If you will be hiking the Cyril and Methodius Route, we have prepared the following printed materials to motivate you to hike the trail:
- Pilgrimage passports: collecting stamps for a special passport
- Memorial letters: a souvenir letter at the end of the journey
- Maps: printed guide