“The values of the Via Francigena are universal and go beyond political barriers.” The Mayor of Viterbo Chiara Frontini this morning inaugurated the monument to the pilgrim between the San Lazzaro cemetery and the shopping area along the Cassia Nord. The monument was created by Viterbo artist Cinzia Chiulli and stands at the entrance to the Via Francigena in the City of the Popes.
“Today’s event,” Frontini continued, “is a moment of great symbolic value. Promoting and enhancing the Francigena plays a strategic role both for tourism development and in view of the 2025 Jubilee.”
Alongside Frontini were also the municipal delegate for the Via Francigena Alessandra Croci, the president of the city council Giancarlo Martinengo, the councillor for economic development Silvio Franco, and delegates Paolo Moricoli and Maria Rita de Alexandris. Also present were the president of the European Association of Via Francigena, Massimo Tedeschi, the president of the Via Francigena in Tuscia association, Bruno Morroto, and the deputy prefect Andrea Caputo.
“A monument of welcome in the city of Viterbo,” Croci added, “preceded by the footsteps of pilgrims that gather the signatures of those who have already walked the Francigena.”
Among the signatures are also those of the current administrators and all the city councillors. Covering the monument before the inauguration was a flag provided by the fire brigade. A flag that had previously covered the gate of Proceno – the Lazio gateway of the Francigena.
“The values of the Via Francigena,” Mayor Frontini said, “are indeed universal and go beyond political barriers.”
“The monument,” Morroto went on, “is meant to be a sign that every pilgrim has left while passing through Viterbo. A small step with great resonance for the future.”
