The fiftieth stage of hiking

La Storta - Rome

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Basic information about the trail

This final, momentous stage of the Cyril and Methodius Route guides you on an unforgettable pilgrimage from La Storta to Rome. It is the culmination of an epic journey, a path that has led you across continents and through centuries of history, all for this final, symbolic approach.

This stage is approximately 25 km long, a manageable walk of medium difficulty that transitions from the tranquil Roman countryside to the bustling energy of the capital. The route is an experience in contrasts, leading you past bustling streets and through peaceful parks before you ascend Monte Mario, a hill that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city—a truly unforgettable moment for any pilgrim.

Your destination is a place of profound significance: the Basilica of Saint Clemente. Here, beneath a sanctuary that has stood for over a millennium, lies the tomb of Saint Cyril himself. Reaching this site is the ultimate reward, providing a deep spiritual and historical connection that no other pilgrimage can offer. This final leg is more than just a hike; it is a sacred walk to a holy destination, completing the profound legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

What's ahead of us?

Starting point: La Storta

Ending point: Rome

Distance: 25,1 km

Estimated travel time: 7:14 hours

Difficulty: medium

Altitude: ascent 331 m, descent 456 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.

Cathedral of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Monte Mario Nature Reserve

Monte Mario Nature Reserve: Rome's Scenic Pilgrimage Gateway

As you approach the final stages of your pilgrimage to Rome, prepare to be captivated by the Monte Mario Nature Reserve. Rising to 139 meters, this magnificent cliff offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city, a moment of profound beauty and triumph for every traveler. Located in the north-western part of Rome, the reserve is a perfect blend of natural serenity and deep historical roots, serving as a powerful gateway to the Eternal City.

A Living History Book:

Monte Mario is not merely a hill; it is a living history book. From prehistoric settlements and ancient Roman villas to the vineyards of the Middle Ages, this hill has witnessed centuries of human activity. It was during the Renaissance that Rome’s noble families began to build magnificent residences here, drawn by its commanding position over the Tiber valley. Among the most distinguished of these are Villa Mellini and Villa Mazzanti, two jewels that offer a glimpse into the hill’s rich past.

Villa Mellini and Villa Mazzanti:

The park is home to several historic mansions. Villa Mellini, once the residence of a powerful noble family, now houses the famous Astronomical Observatory, a testament to the hill’s timeless allure. While the original Renaissance construction was largely renovated, its history as a place of quiet reflection remains. Nearby, Villa Mazzanti offers an equally stunning experience. Follow its winding ramps to a spectacular belvedere, where you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of Rome, with the majestic Dome of St. Peter’s taking center stage. The villa’s historical garden, with its elegant fountains and a tranquil artificial pond, provides a perfect spot for peaceful contemplation.

A Natural Oasis:

Beyond its historical grandeur, the Monte Mario Nature Reserve is a unique natural haven. The park is home to a diverse array of plant species, from the Mediterranean holm oaks and cork oaks to mixed forests. It also serves as a vital habitat for various wildlife, including peregrine falcons, hoopoes, and kites. The area is geologically significant as well, known for its deposits of ancient marine fossils.

For pilgrims on the Cyril and Methodius Route, the climb up Monte Mario is a truly sacred moment, offering the first full view of their final destination and a lasting memory of their spiritual journey.

St. Peter's Square

Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter's Square): The Grand Gateway to the Vatican

St. Peter's Square is one of the most beautiful works of world architecture and the grand masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Built between 1656 and 1667 under the patronage of Pope Alexander VII, the square was designed as a welcoming embrace to all who approach the Basilica of St. Peter. Its magnificent oval shape is framed by a colossal colonnade with four rows of 284 Doric columns and 88 pillars. The top of the colonnade's balustrade is adorned with 140 statues of saints, each 3.2 meters tall, sculpted by Bernini's students between 1662 and 1703.

The Vatican Obelisk and its Secrets:

At the very heart of the square stands the 25.31-meter-tall Vatican Obelisk, a single piece of red granite. Originally from Heliopolis, Egypt, it was brought to Rome in 37 BC by Emperor Caligula and later moved to its current location in 1586 by Pope Sixtus V. This feat of engineering took four months and required 900 men, 140 horses, and 44 cranes. A bronze cross at the top contains a fragment of the cross on which Christ was crucified. Surrounding the obelisk is a unique wind compass and sundial, created in 1817. Its 16 wind directions bear names from ancient portolan maps.

The Fountains and Historical Markers:

The square is flanked by two nearly identical fountains. The one on the right was built by Carlo Maderno in 1614 using elements of an older fountain. In the mid-17th century, Bernini moved Maderno’s fountain and built a second, identical one in 1677. Visitors can also find a commemorative plaque marking the site of the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II on May 13, 1981. Among the square’s two million paving stones lies one notable curiosity: a red stone with a bas-relief of a heart, known as “Nero’s Heart,” which has inspired many legends about its origin.

Welcoming Statues:

Flanking the staircase leading into the Basilica are the statues of St. Peter and St. Paul. The statue of St. Peter was created in 1840 by Giuseppe de Fabris, and the statue of St. Paul was completed in 1838 by Adamo Tadolini. These two figures stand as the final welcoming hosts to all the faithful as they enter the holiest site of their pilgrimage.

Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major

Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore: Cradle of the West, Heritage of the Slavs

Located in the heart of Rome, Santa Maria Maggiore, also known as the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and art lovers. As one of the four major Papal Basilicas and a revered pilgrimage site, this stunning basilica dates back to the 5th century and showcases a breathtaking fusion of art, mosaics, and ornate decorations that have evolved over centuries. Its architectural splendor is a testament to centuries of devotion and craftsmanship, making it a cornerstone of Rome’s religious and cultural heritage. Whether you’re a history buff, an art aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, Santa Maria Maggiore offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Rome.

Explore the stunning Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, a masterpiece showcasing a blend of architectural styles from early Christianity to Baroque. This historic basilica underwent significant renovations in the 18th century, enhancing its grandeur. Visitors can marvel at the medieval mosaics and marble floors in the bell tower, along with Ionic columns from ancient Roman structures. A highlight of Santa Maria Maggiore is the beautiful mosaics adorning the triumphal arch and nave, which date back to the early 5th century. These mosaics are a testament to the basilica’s importance in early church architecture. Plan your visit to Santa Maria Maggiore and step back in time to experience its rich history and breathtaking artistry.

A Miraculous Origin (Our Lady of the Snows):

The Basilica’s location is attributed to the Miracle of the Snows. On the night of August 5th, 358 AD, a miraculous summer snowfall covered the Esquiline Hill, outlining the exact ground plan for the church. This divine direction is still commemorated annually by a shower of white rose petals inside the basilica.

Slavic Heritage Highlight:

Santa Maria Maggiore is a crucial site for Slavic Heritage. In 867 AD, Pope Hadrian II here officially welcomed and approved the use of Slavonic liturgical books presented by Saints Cyril and Methodius, a pivotal moment in the history of Christian liturgy and the culture of the Slavic peoples.

Basilica of Saint Praxedes

A Sanctuary of the Slavonic Apostles:

The Basilica of Santa Prassede holds profound significance for followers of the Cyril and Methodius Route. It was within the adjoining Greek-Byzantine monastery that Saints Cyril and Methodius resided during their crucial stay in Rome in 867 AD. Before his death, St. Cyril, who had fallen ill, took monastic vows here. Furthermore, it was in this area that the brothers presented their Slavonic liturgical books to Pope Hadrian II, receiving his blessing for their mission and the use of the Slavonic language in the liturgy—a pivotal moment in European history.

The Golden Age of Mosaics:

Santa Prassede is a dazzling showcase of 9th-century artistry, commissioned by Pope Paschal I. Stepping inside is like stepping back into the Byzantine world; the church is famed for having some of the most spectacular early medieval mosaics in Rome.

The Apse: Witness the glorious mosaic of Christ’s Second Coming, flanked by the apostles and the church’s patron saints, Praxedes and Pudentiana. Look closely for Pope Paschal I himself, depicted in the mosaic with a distinctive square halo, signifying that he was still alive when the work was created!
The Chapel of St. Zeno (The Garden of Paradise): Often called the “Garden of Paradise,” this small funerary chapel is an absolute jewel box of glittering gold. Built by Pope Paschal I for his mother, Theodora, it is one of the few places in Rome where you can experience the intensity of Byzantine mosaics that cover every surface in luminous, rich detail.

Sacred Relics and Antiquity:

The Basilica is a repository of faith and history. It houses the relics of its namesake, St. Praxedes, and her sister, St. Pudentiana, who were martyred for sheltering early Christians. Most famously, a small column of oriental jasper is venerated here as an alleged fragment of the Pillar of the Flagellation, the very column upon which Jesus was scourged in Jerusalem.

Santa Prassede offers a quiet, uncrowded experience of unparalleled artistic and spiritual depth, making it an essential destination for pilgrims and history enthusiasts exploring the most authentic side of Early Christian Rome.

Basilica of Saint Clement at the Lateran

Basilica of Saint Clement at the Lateran: A Journey Through Time

It offers a unique descent through 2,000 years of history, standing as a primary nexus for both early Christian history and Slavic heritage in Rome. Located just a five-minute walk from the iconic Colosseum, the entrance to the Basilica of San Clemente can be found in Piazza San Clemente. This remarkable site is not just a basilica but a treasure trove of history, featuring an underground archaeological complex that captivates pilgrims, art enthusiasts, and visitors from around the globe. Explore the layers of Rome’s past like nowhere else. The Basilica of San Clemente offers a unique journey through time, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to delve into the rich tapestry of Rome’s history.

Descending below the present church, you’ll uncover a 4th-century church adorned with some of the world’s finest medieval frescoes, dating from the 8th to the 11th century. Venture even deeper to reach the 1st-century area, featuring a Mithraic temple and a large public building surrounded by the ancient waters of Rome. In one of the lateral chapels, you’ll find a shrine housing the tomb of Saint Cyril. Above these historical layers stands the magnificent 12th-century Basilica, showcasing a stunning mosaic, early Renaissance frescoes, the 6th-century marble chancel from the earlier church, and the intricate Cosmatesque floor. Immerse yourself in centuries of history and art by visiting the Basilica to experience the rich tapestry of Rome’s past and present.

The Tomb of Saint Cyril: An Absolute Must-Visit for the Slavic World

The most profoundly significant spiritual site within the basilica is the shrine containing the tomb of Saint Cyril (Constantine the Philosopher), the “Apostle of the Slavs” and a Patron of Europe, located in the lower, 4th-century church. This is an absolute must-visit location for all Slavs and those who cherish the foundation of Slavic culture and literacy. St. Cyril, along with his brother St. Methodius, created the Glagolitic alphabet, the precursor to the modern Cyrillic alphabet, making his tomb the wellspring of Slavic written language. The walls surrounding this venerated shrine are adorned with commemorative plaques from Slavic countries across Southern and Eastern Europe, bearing witness to his universal acclaim as the father of Slavic literary culture. St. Cyril himself died in Rome in 869 AD and was buried here, making this his final, sacred resting place.

Where to eat and sleep?

Restaurants and accommodation along the trail.

Centro Velehrad

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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.

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: