Stage 8: La Storta - Rome

This is the last stage of the trek to Rome, full of emotion and charm, although the route features many paved roads and stretches through heavily populated areas. It is a stage of great symbolic value, culminating in the arrival at the pilgrims' destination: St Peter's Square.

The departure is from the Church of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, from where you continue along the Via Cassia, paying close attention to the traffic: it is, in fact, one of the busiest and most urbanised stretches of the entire route. After passing La Giustiniana, continue on the Cassia to the Grande Raccordo Anulare of Rome.

Upon entering the Insugherata Nature Reserve, the chaos of the city is left behind: here, nature takes centre stage again with a green and interesting environment, offering a rejuvenating contrast before tackling the final kilometres towards the heart of Rome.

The stage can be completed by following two main variants, both full of charm and perfect for a memorable end to the journey.

• Turning left, you continue on Via Trionfale, then climb Monte Mario, a vantage point famous among pilgrims as Mons Gaudii (Mount of Joy), from which you can admire Rome and the dome of St Peter's.
• After admiring the view, descend via Circonvallazione Clodia and Viale Angelico until you reach the Portico of St Peter's.
• This route is about 10.3 km long and offers unique views of the Eternal City.
• Leaving the Insugherata Park, you arrive at the Monte Mario railway station, where you take the recently built cycle/pedestrian path between Monte Ciocci and San Pietro, ideal if you are also doing the route by bike.
• Following the cycle/pedestrian path to Monte Ciocci, you can enjoy a spectacular view of St Peter's, the Vatican and the whole of Rome.
• The descent from the hill is by road or, if on foot, via the steep staircase, to the Vatican walls and finally to the Portico of St Peter's.
• This stretch measures about 9.2 km.