Podcast Season 5
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In the fifth season of our podcast, Nick and Wendy discuss our latest pilgrimage walks, including several in Italy, the Camino de Invierno and more!
Episode 5.1 – The Via di Francesco
In the first episode of our fifth season, titled ‘Italian and Winter Ways’, Nick recounts his pilgrimage on the Via di Francesco (Way of St. Francis) in central Italy. Buon cammino!
Show Notes:
Major Towns: Assisi, Gubbio, Spoleto, Rieti
Other Places of Interest: La Verna Sanctuary (where St. Francis received the stigmata), Cascata delle Marmore (the ‘Roman’ waterfall)
Nick’s Rome Entry: From Monte Sacro, consider taking the Via Nomentana (including a visit to the church of Saint Agnes Outside the Walls) to Porta Pia and from there into Rome, perhaps including San Giovanni in Laterano with the statue of St. Francis directly opposite the church.
Official Website of the Via di Francesco
Episode 5.2 – The Magna Via Francigena
As we continue our exploration of pilgrimage routes in Italy, Nick recounts his solo walk on the Magna Via Francigena in Sicily. Buon cammino!
Show Notes:
Main Attractions: Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento
Most Beautiful Villages/Towns: Sutera, Racalmuto
Nick’s Best Sunset Spot at Agrigento: The east side of the Temple of Juno (Giunone)
Goat Art: Realised by Domenico Cocchiara; article with photos (in Italian)
The Official Website of the Magna Via Francigena (in Italian)
Episode 5.3 – The Via Ellenica
In our third episode about Italian pilgrimages, Nick and Wendy recount their walk on the Via Ellenica, part of the Cammino Materano network in southern Italy. Buon cammino!
Show Notes:
Via Ellenica Website and Guidebook
The World Heritage Endpoints: Alberobello and Matera
The Gorge Towns: Masafra, Castellaneta, Laterza, Ginosa
Rock-Hewn Church: San Nicola
5.4 – Camino de Invierno: Highlights
In this episode, Nick and Wendy recount their pilgrimage on the Camino de Invierno from Ponferrada to Santiago. ¡Buen camino!
Show Notes:
Las Médulas – Roman Mine Site
Sil River Valley
Ribeira Sacra
Monte Faro
Animal Artwork – After A Rua
Daniel and the Wax Stamp – Lalín
5.5 – Camino de Invierno: Planning Tips
In this episode, Nick and Wendy give their top tips for planning a pilgrimage on the Camino de Invierno, from stages to accommodation to alternate routes. ¡Buen camino!
Show Notes:
Resources: PDF Guide | Forum Planning Thread | Gronze
Main Tips:
1. Take the Borrenes alternative to the Orellán lookout at Las Médulas, possibly staying in Villavieja on the first night and then Casa Rosa in Puente de Domingo Flórez on the second night.
2. Take the alternate route between O Barco and A Rua on the other side of the river, up to the waterfall.
3. Casa Rural options after Monforte: Pinheiro and Villariño, or the albergue at Diomondi for the church.
4. Last 100km: consider staying at Casa Leiras in Dornelas and Reina Lupa, 10km from Santiago.
5.6 – Summer in Santiago
Wendy discusses spending several weeks in Santiago this summer. In particular, she talks about the advanced Galego language course she took, the feast of the apostle and the ‘massification’ of the pilgrimage. Buen camino!
Show Notes:
Wendy’s course: Galego Sen Fronteiras.
5.7 – The Camiño de Taverneiro
Our final episode for this season is an epic one as Wendy recounts her solo pilgrimage on the little-known Camiño de Taverneiro in Galicia. Spoiler alert: the spirit of the camino shines brightly on this route. Bo camiño!
Show Notes:
Links:
Wendy’s summary of this camino
Camiño de Taveneiro guidebook
Holy Year 2021 video featuring Carlos Núñez
Places mentioned:
Monção (Portugal)
Salvaterra de Miño
Arufe
Pedre
Codaseda
Couso