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The last stage of the Via Francigena towards Rome begins with a long stretch along the pavement of the Via Cassia, a busy road that requires attention and patience. It is an urban section, less evocative from a landscape point of view, but full of emotion due to the awareness that you have now reached the gates of your destination.
Once you pass the Grande Raccordo Anulare, the landscape suddenly changes: you are immersed in the greenery of Insugherata Park, a wild oasis that creeps like a natural wedge into the Roman suburbs. Here the path passes through woods and clearings, offering a surprisingly quiet stretch surrounded by nature, as if to prepare the pilgrim inwardly for the final arrival.
You then return to the urban environment along the Via Trionfale, amidst traffic and residential neighbourhoods, before entering the greenery of Monte Mario. The climb is the last little effort of the day, but it is also one of the most intense moments of the entire walk.
From the viewpoint of "Mons Gaudii" - the Mount of Joy - the view finally opens out over the Eternal City: the dome of St Peter's appears on the horizon, unmistakable. It is a view full of meaning, capable of making you forget the traffic and fatigue, and filling your heart with gratitude and satisfaction.
From here begins the descent towards St Peter's Square, the symbolic destination of the pilgrimage. Crossing the square and stopping in front of the Basilica represents the completion of the journey, a moment of contemplation and joy that crowns days of walking along one of the oldest and most fascinating routes in Europe.
A stage of striking contrasts, between urban traffic and natural oases, culminating in an emotional and deeply symbolic arrival in the heart of Christendom.
