2023 Sunday Oct. 29

Viterbo to Vetralla

Today’s video link: https://www.relive.cc/view/vrqDYZp81wv

The weather was clear as we walked back into the old city of Viterbo on our way to Vetralla. Now we’re seeing more Etruscan and Roman evidence—Roman roads, Etruscan cliff-like walls of tufa (soft stone), and evidence of ancient tombs.

Our hotel was located before we reached Vetralla, so we elected to rest and see any sights in Vetralla tomorrow as time allowed.

This locked shed covers Etruscan tomb(s?) according to the guidebook and the sign. There was one other shed nearby; both are in an olive orchard, but religious signs are along the pathway. We Are surmising that these Etruscan tombs were used later for Christian burials, possibly including the saints from the nearby shrine, Saints Valentino and Ilario.

We have typically seen families working together to harvest olives. This was our first time to see a more commercial harvest job with a tractor and this giant brush shaking the trees. It still seems a very laborious task, and we have no idea how they separate any leaves and branches and sort the olives.

There were only three of us at the hotel (besides the hotelier’s extended family) so we enjoyed dinner conversation with fellow pelligrino, Ed, from northwest Arkansas. He has recently walked the northern Santiago route and then traveled to Italy to walk Via Francigena.

Comments:

David Holt: You’re getting near to the end…I suspect you are walking into Rome now. How exciting! 2023/10/31 at 11:24 pm

Reply: We expect to be in Rome Friday evening—three more days counting today. If I remember correctly, you mentioned that now we will see more suburb-like areas. We’re so glad you recommended Sutri for a rest day! There is so much history to absorb and it has been a lovely town. Off to more adventure! 2023/11/01 at 5:30 am

Reply: I miss the kilometer markings decrementing as they were in Spain. We keep track in the days left, not the distance. 2023/11/01 at 5:38 am

David Holt: The walk through the park leading into Rome is going to give you one of the best views into the city. Hope you have good weather for the views. Great memories. 2023/11/01 at 10:50 am

Reply: Looking forward to it. Today was rain beginning at noon—a real toad-soaker at about 12:30. We were lucky enough to find a restaurant even though it’s All Saints Day and most everything is closed. 2023/11/01 at 5:13 pm