The Last 100 km of the Via Francigena — Acquapendente to Rome

The final 100 km of the Via Francigena — from Acquapendente in Lazio to St Peter's in Rome — is the route's most popular section, and the stretch that earns you the Testimonium, the certificate of arrival issued in Rome. If you have a week and want the essential Via Francigena experience, this is the one to walk.

Why the last 100 km?

The Testimonium requires pilgrims to walk at least the final 100 km on foot (200 km by bicycle) with a stamped credential. Acquapendente, about 110 km north of Rome, is the classic starting point — close enough to qualify with a margin, far enough to feel like a real pilgrimage.

The route

Acquapendente → Bolsena (18 km): a gentle start through the Paglia valley to Bolsena, on the lake of the same name, and the site of a medieval eucharistic miracle.

Bolsena → Montefiascone (14 km): up to Montefiascone, the town of Est! Est!! Est!!! wine, with a panoramic view over Lake Bolsena and the first real sight of the road to Rome.

Montefiascone → Viterbo (19 km): down to Viterbo, a papal city with a fine medieval quarter, the Palazzo dei Papi, and the hot springs of Bullicame. A natural rest day.

Viterbo → Vetralla → Sutri (24 km, or split): the Etruscan heartland, ending at Sutri — with its extraordinary Roman amphitheatre and mithraeum carved from the rock, a highlight of the route.

Sutri → Campagnano → Formello → Isola Farnese (28 km, or split): the ancient approach through the Veio Regional Park, quiet and shaded, ending near the outskirts of Rome.

Isola Farnese → Rome / St Peter's (12 km): the final day, through Rome's suburbs and parks to St Peter's Square and the steps of the basilica — the end of the pilgrimage.

Earning the Testimonium

Walk the full distance on foot with your credential stamped at least twice a day. In Rome, take your stamped credential to the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi office near St Peter's Square; they will verify your stamps and issue the Testimonium (a small donation is customary). See the Testimonium guide for full details.

Planning

6–7 walking days plus a rest day in Viterbo. The last two nights into Rome book up — reserve Campagnano, Formello or Isola Farnese ahead. Walk the final day short so you arrive at St Peter's fresh, with time to collect your certificate the same or next day.

If 100 km isn't enough

Many pilgrims start further north — from Viterbo (~80 km, but short of the 100 km rule), Siena, or even Lucca — to extend the walk. The 100 km rule is a minimum, not a maximum. Use the planner to map your chosen start to Rome, and walk the final approach the way a thousand years of pilgrims have done.