A BRIEF HISTORY OF WALKING IN ITALY
Walking in Italy is a journey through time, and offers both an immersive and unique perspective on the country’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. From ancient Roman roads to medieval pilgrimage routes and modern hiking trails, walking in Italy allows one to experience its diverse landscapes and historical landmarks right up close.
Ancient Times
The history of walking in Italy began with the ancient civilizations that lived in the region. The Etruscans, who inhabited central Italy well before the building of Rome, constructed paths and roads to connect their cities. However, it was the Romans who revolutionised travel with their extensive network of roads. Built to connect the far-flung corners of their vast empire, Roman roads were engineering marvels that facilitated trade, the movement of armies, and communication.
The Appian Way, which is via Appia was constructed in 312 BC, is one of the most famous Roman roads. It connected Rome to Brindisi (near Lecci) in the southeast, serving as a crucial route for military and economic purposes. Today, sections of the Appian Way are still walkable, offering a direct link to ancient Rome. Walking along these ancient stones, one can imagine the bustling activity of merchants, soldiers, and travellers who once trod the same path.
Medieval Period
With the fall of the Roman Empire, many of the well-maintained Roman roads fell into disrepair. However, the tradition of long-distance walking did not disappear. During the medieval period, pilgrimage routes became prominent. One of the most significant pilgrimage paths was the Via Francigena. This route, stretching from Canterbury in England to Rome, was a major thoroughfare for pilgrims travelling to the tomb of Saint Peter in the Vatican. There are many permutations to this walk including camino walks that start in Germany and Holland.
The Via Francigena was not just a religious journey but also a cultural and social one. Pilgrims from all over Europe would walk this path, bringing with them diverse stories, customs, and knowledge. The route passes through picturesque landscapes and historic towns, including the stunning Tuscan countryside and medieval villages like San Gimignano. The Via Francigena offers a blend of healthy exercise, spiritual reflection and historical exploration. The route fortunately is still maintained and marked fo walkers even to thsi day
Renaissance and Early Modern Periods
The Renaissance period marked a time of great cultural flourishing in Italy. Cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome became centres of art, architecture, and learning. Walking through these cities reveals a wealth of Renaissance masterpieces, from the grandiose cathedrals and palaces to the detailed frescoes and sculptures.
Florence is a city that is best explored on foot. The narrow streets and alleys are dotted with historical landmarks, such as the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio. In Venice, walking is the primary mode of transportation, as the city’s canals and bridges connect a labyrinth of alleys and squares. Rome is another city that can only be discovered on foot. It has a mix of ancient ruins, renaissance architecture, and baroque fountains, and offers endless opportunities for walking tours for days and days.
19th and 20th Centuries
In the 19th century, Italy became a key destination for what was called the Grand Tour, a right of passage trip through Europe undertaken by young aristocrats to complete their education. Walking through the ruins of ancient Rome, the canals of Venice, and the art-filled streets of Florence was considered essential for a well-rounded education.
The 20th century brought significant changes to Italy and was heavily impacted by both World Wars. Regions like Tuscany and the Dolomites were locations for large battles as they were deemed to have strategic importance during World War II. By walking in these areas you will see many war memorials and remnants of fortifications, a poignant reminder of this dreadful event. The Gothic Line is just one of the walks you can do. It has a series of fortifications built by the Germans during World War II that stretches across the Apennines and has real significance in context of wartime history.
Modern Times
In contemporary Italy, walking and hiking have become popular recreational activities, with a well-maintained network of trails that cater to a variety of interests. The Sentiero Italia is a long-distance trail that spans more than 6,000 kilometres. It crosses over varied landscapes, from the high peaks of the Alps in the north to the rolling hills of Tuscany and the superb Sicilian coastline.
The Cinque Terre trail has breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and connects many charming villages that are all perched on cliffs overlooking the Med. This trail allows walkers to experience the unique culture and cuisine of the Ligurian coast, with its terraced vineyards and colourful houses. Inland, the Tuscan countryside offers idyllic walks through vineyards, olive groves and wineries and historic towns like Siena and Montepulciano.
The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage site. and the dramatic mountain scenery is a platform for some of the best hiking in Europe. Trails like the Alta Via routes take walkers through alpine meadows, past jagged peaks, and across high mountain passes. The Dolomites are not only just a natural wonder but also an Italian cultural treasure, as the destination has a rich history of mountaineering and unique Ladin traditions.
Walking in Italy is more than just a recreational activity; it is a way to fully immerse oneself in to the country’s deep historical roots and rich culture. Hiking overall in Italy is an enriching and immersive experience that brings history to life and is a one of kind experience.
