Читать книгу The Way of St Francis. Via di Francesco: From Florence to Assisi and Rome онлайн

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The Duomo, tower and main piazza of Spoleto (Stage 19)

Signs in Casentino Park showing trails to nearby mountains (Stage 5)

INTRODUCTION

With your pack on your back you have rounded the last bend of the Tiber River. You have walked past the looming brown hulk of Castel Sant’Angelo, past some offices and stores and, with 140 stern, saintly and stony witnesses watching from the colonnade above, you have stepped out of Italy and into bustling Saint Peter’s Square. This is holy ground, the Vatican City – for millions the center of the world. After many days of walking you should be exhausted, but instead you’re exhilarated.

Vittorio Emanuel II Monument in Rome (Pilgrim Churches Tour)

Before you is Michelangelo’s spectacular dome, soaring over the tomb of St Peter. To your upper right is the Pope’s balcony where he speaks to tens of thousands of the assembled faithful. Beyond is the treasure-filled Vatican Museum. Behind you are relics of Ancient Rome, its temples and palaces sprinkled within one of the world’s most beloved and beautiful modern cities.