👣 33 km by foot – Tuesday 28 September

A very long stage was ahead of us this morning, but only some of us walked the whole stage. Some others stopped along the route for more institutional meetings, and in the end only walked half of the trail. I am getting a little bit sick today: I have a sore throat and a bit of a cold. Hopefully I’ll be back in shape soon.

The first half of the stage was uphill, as we left the valley behind us to climb up the mountains. We walked among the vineyards from which the Falanghina wine is made – a young, novel and very tasty wine from the Appennini of Campania. The official trail would have led us into the forest on gravel roads, but unfortunately there were many fallen trees and, being such a large group, we decided it would be safer to walk on tarmac. Regardless, the view was amazing!

At the end of the climb we descended to the cute town of Vitulano (which is currently becoming a member of our association). We were welcomed by the mayor and by the Pro Loco Campo Sauro Vitulano association, which organized a lunch buffet for us.

Guided by artist Mariano Goglia and joined by city council Emanuele Calabrese, we visited an open air art exhibition which is currently arranged in the center of Vitulano, exposing marble statues made from a red and gray local marble.

It was after this break that our group split: some continued walking, others arrived in Benevento by car. We met again at the beautiful Arco di Traiano, a Roman triumph arch built in 117 CE, one of the best preserved Roman arches I’ve ever seen! Benevento is a very beautiful city, yet not very touristy. I highly recommend taking a tour of this hidden jewl.

We had dinner just out of town, in Montorsi, hosted by the Terra Mia association. After dinner, feeling more sick than in the morning, I went directly to bed at the Convento La Pace, a religious pilgrim’s hospital in Benevento. I’m crossing my fingers to get better soon, but I have to continue traveling every day and I’m afraid it will be challenging…updates tomorrow!

HIGHLIGHTS

Visiting and being welcomed by locals in the town of Vitulano

The Arco di Traiano in Benevento

TODAY’S WALKERS

Myra Stals, social media manager (EAVF)

Angelofabio Attolico, referent for the Via Francigena del Sud (EAVF)

Giusy Baldacchino, project assistant (EAVF)

Frank Damiano, RTR ambassador

Joanne Roan, Ragazze in Gamba

Members of La Francigena dei Sanniti association

Luce Scaglione, videomaker

Several local walkers