Caminos to Rome: A Slow Trip to the Eternal City, full of light and wonder
“I need to know the history of what I eat, not only the price. I need to know where it comes from, the hands that farmed and produced it… The day food has lost its true value and its history, there will be no hope for the future.” Carlo Petrini, Slow Food President
SLOW TRAVEL TO ROME
WALKING THE VIA FRANCIGENA IN THE JUBILEE YEAR 2025
The ancient pilgrimage trails to Rome have been restored by the European Association of Via Francigena Ways and prepared to welcome travelers who seek a slower, more spiritual journey, and they form part of the wider European Cultural Routes network.
The Testimonium certificate can be collected at the official Jubilee InfoPoint on Via della Conciliazione 7 in Rome. More information you can read here.
In the Jubilee Year 2025, countless pilgrims are already setting out on foot toward Rome, following the traditional Jubilee pilgrimage routes.
Paths such as the Via Francigena, the southern branch of the Via Francigena, and the the Way of St. Francis or Via di Francesco all converge at Porta Santa, the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
A holistic Slow Travel journey through pilgrim paths and volcanic lakes
I was thrilled to embark from this historic setting on a 4-day walking journey, tracing the ancient paths of the Via Francigena, the Francigena del Sud, and the Via di Francesco, all the way to Rome and St. Peter’s Basilica. Our route carried us through villages, forests, lakeshores, and quiet country lanes, each step bringing us closer to Rome and the Vatican. This journey was part of the Cammini verso Roma press trip, beautifully organized by Sloways and the European Association of Via Francigena Ways (EAVF).
Our first day started with a warm welcome at the Hotel Castel Vecchio in Grand Gadolfo, overlooking Lake Albano, Italy’s deepest volcanic lake. The hotel is ideally situated amphitheatrically around the lake and the view of it is stunning and relaxing, the ideal start for a slow trip adventure.
The well-equipped rooms and its impeccable, luxurious aesthetic, especially the dining area next to the reception, gave us an extra touch of sweet promise that this trip would be full of delightful surprises, as it indeed was!
Just before sunset, we left the hotel and walked toward the center of Castel Gandolfo, home to around 9,000 residents. The town’s main square, Piazza della Libertà, is where you’ll find the entrance to the city’s historic landmark, the Pontifical Palace.
The Papal Gardens are not to be missed either, impressively filled with statues, marble, and fountains, and open every day from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, with extended hours until 6:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Renowned for its wild strawberries, Nemi—whose name literally means “holy wood”—is a hilltop village with a historic center that overlooks Nemi’s volcanic lake. Its charming, colorful houses wind up toward the impressive Palazzo Ruspoli.
We tasted wild strawberry tart, Nemi even hosts a strawberry festival in late May and early June, and wandered through the village’s quaint streets, filled with the cutest local shops offering strawberry-shaped jewelry, sweets, and wines, collecting the tastiest souvenirs before continuing on our way to Colle di Maggio winery.
Their expert sommelier, Carlo Attisano, guided us through the enchanting universe of Italian winemaking with his deep knowledge and passion for this beloved craft, making our taste buds spring to life from the flavors we experienced.
Full of new impressions and flavorful moments, it was now time to travel to Rome and take in the magical vibes of the Eternal City by night, dining at Hostaria Grappolo d’Oro, a true Slow Food heaven right in the heart of the city.
Waking up in Rome seemed unreal, the sounds of the metropolis invited us to travel slowly through the metro and out to the city’s outskirts, passing neighborhoods where the Italian Neorealist cinematic movement once flourished, as we followed the Via di Francesco on a 20-kilometer walk to Rome’s cultural highlights by the Aniene and Tiber rivers.
The plan of the day included a visit to the Auditorium Parco della Musica, designed by Renzo Piano. This remarkable venue represents sophisticated musical architecture and an extraordinary urban redevelopment project. It is the largest entertainment venue in Europe, featuring a stunning open-air stage that hosts its popular summer festival with lineups of renowned music stars from around the world.
Our next stop was a t the impressive MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Art designed by Zaha Hadid left us speechless by its futuristic architecture full of contemporary art and architecture in the Flaminio neighborhood of Rome, modern, accessible and inviting, we moved on walking along the tiber river till Saint Peter’s square.
It was a slow travel experience as unique as it was unforgettable.
One step later, a soothing calm washed over us as we passed through the great doors into the Basilica and the Vatican and their ancient holiness.
The night bid us goodnight with a well-deserved pizza at Pizzeria I Marmi in Trastevere, one of the city’s most authentic pizzerias, in the heart of Rome’s liveliest district.
DAY 4
With 630 plant species and a rich variety of wildlife, the Insugherata Reserve revealed itself as a living testament to the harmony of nature and history. Italy, of course, is celebrated as the birthplace of Slow Food, but walking here made it clear that it is also a true leader in Slow Travel, a country that honors mindful journeys and the deeper connection between people, culture, and landscape.
A short bus transfer away due to heavy rain, we found ourselves atop Monte Mario, gazing at the panoramic view of Rome. The city stretched beneath a brilliant blue sky, a vivid reminder of the very essence of slow travel. Each pause ιs a new story, each stop a breath, and each thought a journey in itself.
Further along, the Monte Ciocci Linear Park brought another delightful surprise: lunch at Bar Bistro Il Casotto. Surrounded by a playful playground, beautiful land art, and stunning panoramic views, we enjoyed delicious homemade food and refreshing drinks. What a blessing to be in Rome!
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