Stage 20: Monterosi To Campagnano di Roma

15.2 kilometers
Elevation gain/loss: 358m/326m
Steps: 20,126
Total distance traveled: 371.1km
Distance to Rome: 42.2km

We got off to a fairly late start since we wanted to take advantage of the free breakfast that came with our accommodations. Given how full our bellies were, we were grateful today's walk was easy, if not a bit boring, since we didn't see anything new in the first half of the walk to Campagnano di Roma except for a herd of cows in a distant field.

At about the half way point, we got a little excited because we saw signs for "Cascate di Monte Gelato", which at first glance had us believing we were going to see a cascading mountain of gelato!

In reality, the Monte Gelato Cascade is part of a nature complex in the Treja Valley. The complex contains the ruins of a Roman villa from the 1st century BC. We considered visiting the ruins but that would have involved an additional 6.4 km round trip hike so we gave it a pass. We did, however, visit the cascade and the 19th century water mill that remained active until the 1960s.

The remaining half of the walk was like the first half, a little bland, until the last kilometer which got our hearts racing because it was one heck of a steep climb to Compagna di Roma.

Tonight's accomodations are in a 14th century tower, that has, obviously, been renovated with all the modern conveniences. It's a charming apartment with beautiful ceilings, and imbued with historical vibes.

After checking in, we went for a walk and came across a saddled donkey tethered to a storefront. Today I was not the only jackass in town.Read more