20의 포메지아가지 명소 & 주요 장소

In 1740, a pilgrim reached the outskirts of Rome but lost his bearings. In the distance, he saw the old tower of a castle, built around 1200. He approached but was attacked by a pack of ferocious dogs. The man was about to be torn to pieces, but he saw the painting on top of the old tower of Castel di Leva and prayed to the Madonna depicted there for grace to save him. Miraculously, all the dogs calmed down. The incident of the pilgrim's grace meant that the site became a destination for prayer and requests for grace. Every year, a bicycle pilgrimage to the Sanctuary is organized, where Roman cyclists confirm their vow to Our Lady of Divine Love, thanking her for having assisted them during the past year and asking her to extend her hand for the coming year as well.

The Crypt of Our Lady of Sorrows was built in 1947, at the initiative of Don Umberto Terenzi, the Sanctuary's first parish priest. It was created in the medieval castle's cistern and features a splendid Cosmatesque floor.

Castel Gandolfo Square with Bar recover from the pedals and enjoy a relaxing break

The name "Castel Gandolfo" has been synonymous with the (former) summer residence of the popes located there for centuries. The buildings have been open to visitors as a museum since 2016, and the “Laudato Si” environmental center has been under construction in the extensive gardens since 2024. Much less well-known is an episode from the time of the Second World War: namely that in 1944 the entire complex was opened by the Holy See / Vatican to refugees (reputable estimates put the number at 12,000 to 15,000 people there) and all warring parties were expressly aware of the extraterritory status of the site have been informed. The roofs were painted yellow and white, the Pope's colors. Nevertheless, there were two devastating bomb attacks there with over 500 deaths. There is currently an exhibition providing information about the time 80 years ago.

I passed through it along the southern Via Francigena

Very nice dirt road around the lake, sometimes it can be a bit busy especially on weekends. There are several points with coves on the lake where you can cool off and enjoy the view.

very nice ride around the lake

also to be done in gravel