As we continue our exploration of pilgrimage routes in Italy, Nick recounts his solo walk on the Magna Via Francigena in Sicily. Buon cammino! Show Notes: Main Attractions: Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento Most Beautiful Villages/Towns: Sutera, Racalmuto Nick's Best Sunset Spot at Agrigento: The east side of the Temple of Juno (Giunone) Goat Art: Realised by Domenico Cocchiara; article (in Italian) with photos: https://ripost.it/2023/08/15/le-capre-girgentane-di-domenico-cocchiara-sulle-vecchie-porte-di-30-comuni/

In the first episode of our fifth season, entitled 'Italian and Winter Ways', Nick recounts his pilgrimage on the Via di Francesco (Way of St. Francis) in central Italy. Buon cammino!

Show Notes:

Major Towns: Assisi, Gubbio, Spoleto, Rieti

Other Places of Interest: La Verna Sanctuary, Cascata delle Marmore (the 'Roman' waterfall)

Entry into Rome: From Monte Sacro, consider taking the Via Nomentana (including a visit to the church of Saint Agnes Outside the Walls) to Porta Pia and from there into Rome, perhaps including San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John of Lateran) with the statue of St. Francis directly opposite the church.

Official Website: https://www.viadifrancesco.it/en/

In this episode, Nick and Wendy describe their adventurous nine-day hike around the Portuguese island of the Madeira on a historic trail, the Caminho Real 23.

Show Notes: Caminho Real Association: Web | Facebook | Tracks