San Miniato - Gambassi Terme (23.6 km)
We had spent the night at the Hotel San Miniato at one end of this town with its narrow one way streets, that were clogged with traffic when we arrived and the same in the morning as we were leaving. Otherwise, this would be a beautiful town, certainly stunning when viewed from a distance with it's two towers. We were hoping to make it to the taller of the two towers, called the tower of Frederick, built by Frederick II during the 1200's, but when we arrived the day before the only tower we were thinking of was the tower of gelato on our cones, and the next morning we just wanted to get going again.
 |
| Ready to start Day 3 |
This was a beautiful day of rolling Tuscan hills, wildflowers, and sunshine. It was also the day that made us feel like we were truly a part of a unique experience, meeting new people and exploring the Italian countryside in a unique way. At least unique to this day and age, although we were really travelling the way travellers had travelled through Europe for hundreds of years...a pack on our backs and the road ahead and the willingness to meet each day as it comes. Of course under clear blue skies this is not hard to do.
 |
| San Miniato Cathderal |
 |
| The towers of San Miniato |
 |
On the road out of San Miniato
|
 |
| The beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany |
 |
| First Aid box on the trail |
 |
| Meeting up with fellow pilgrims along the way |
At the crossroads in the community of Coiano, at 11.4 km into our day, we were met with a welcome sign...
This was welcome indeed, as we were looking for a spot to enjoy our picnic lunch and encountered some of our friends while there, also enjoying the break. This church was already in existence when Sigerico stopped by in 990. The current design is Romanesque from the 12th Century. The fascade is made up of local sandstone and bricks and is currently under renovation.
Some pilgrims were enjoying a siesta in the shade as we donned our packs and continued on our journey following the dirt path through flowered hillsides and vineyards.
At end of our day we arrived at our alberge, Ostello Sigerico, located a kilometre before entering Gambassi Terme, and as it's name indicates Sigerico stopped here in 990. This is a pleasant place to stay. Dinner and breakfast were both provided in comfortable surroundings.
 |
| Pilgrims relaxing at the end of the day while waiting for dinner |
 |
| Enjoying a glass of wine in the courtyard before dinner |
After dinner Franco led everyone on a private tour of the adjoining Church of Santa Maria a Chianni.
 |
| The church and the adjoining Ostello |
No comments:
Post a Comment