🏛️ The Ancient Via Amerina: The Path of Light

Giano di Vico
Jun 24
2 min read

A journey through stone and time, from Nepi to Orte among Faliscan civilization, temples, catacombs, and sacred silence

The Via Amerina is far more than a historic path: it is a foundational pilgrimage for those seeking to understand the soul of the Agro Falisco and the early stages of Roman expansion into southern Etruria.Stretching over 78.6 kilometers with an estimated walking time of 21 hours and 5 minutes, the route winds through ancient paving stones, funerary bridges, rock-cut necropolises, and landscapes shaped by ancient spirituality.

This trail is rated moderate and is suitable for hikers with solid physical and mental preparation. Today, it stands as one of the most intact and evocative Roman-era routes in Italy.

🗺️ Detailed Route (Recommended in 6 Stages)

1. Nepi – Castel Sant’Elia

📏 10 km – ⏱ 3 h – 🥾 EasyDeparting from the medieval walls of Nepi, this stage follows the ancient Roman path to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria ad Rupes and the Basilica of Sant’Elia. Highlights include a Roman bridge and striking Faliscan gorges.

2. Castel Sant’Elia – Civita Castellana

📏 14 km – ⏱ 4 h – 🥾 ModerateThis stage crosses the Treja Park, with rocky passages, chamber tombs, and volcanic scenery. Stop at the ancient Etruscan gate of Civita Castellana.

3. Civita Castellana – Corchiano

📏 12 km – ⏱ 3.5 h – 🥾 ModerateThrough tuff stone bridges, natural canyons, and still-intact Roman paving. The entrance to Corchiano via an Etruscan rock-cut road is a dramatic moment of the journey.

4. Corchiano – Gallese

📏 10.5 km – ⏱ 3 h – 🥾 ModerateWalk through oak woods, deep ravines, and arched bridges linking rocky outcrops. The fortified village of Gallese, with its cave oratory, is a hidden gem.

5. Gallese – Penna in Teverina

📏 16 km – ⏱ 4.5 h – 🥾 Moderate / ChallengingA more isolated and panoramic section skirting the Tiber Valley. Requires good water supply and a map. Arrival in the Umbrian hilltop village of Penna in Teverina, a true stone jewel.

6. Penna in Teverina – Orte

📏 16 km – ⏱ 3.5 h – 🥾 EasyThe final stage crosses gentle hills and shaded woodlands, ending at Old Orte, where the ancient Via Amerina once led to the gates of the thermal and underground city.

🌄 What Makes This Trail Unique?

Original Roman paving: long sections still preserve the authentic stone path.
Bridges and catacombs: Early Christian remains blend with Roman hydraulic engineering.
Sacred landscape: the trail links numerous Faliscan places of worship, later Christianized.
No modern traffic: many segments are exclusively for pedestrians.