May 5, 2016 Rest day in Sutri

We are taking a day off from our walk and exploring the town of Sutri (Sutrium, as it was called in Roman times).

There is a wonderful cathedral here with an ancient crypt  below it; also in Sutri are the remains of a 2100 year old Roman Arena that was actually carved out of the soft tufa stone.

But the real jewel of the town is the church, the Mitreo Chiesa Della Madonna del Parto, a former 5th century pagan place of worship to the god Mithras.  The church itself is carved out of the soft tufa stone.  It was later adopted by the Christian faith and contains some beautiful medieval frescoes, one particular fresco depicts pilgrims on enroute from Sutri to a destination believed to be in the south of Italy.  To enter this church you must be accompanied by a guide, but if is well worth the few euros to experience this unique structure, on the most special places on the entire Francigena. 

Cathedral of Sutri

Crypt below the Cathedral

Central square in Sutri

2000 year old Roman Theatre in Sutri carved into the hillside

Entrance to the Mitreo Chiesa Della Madonna del Parto 

Fresco in the Mitreo Chiesa Della Madonna del Parto

Ancient pilgrims depicted in the frescoes of the Mitreo Chiesa Della Madonna del Parto 

Sutri