La Storta – Via Francigena, History and Excursions

La Storta combines Roman history with the pilgrims’ route to Rome. The place is particularly interesting if you would like to combine historical context, archaeological sites and a journey on foot or by bicycle. Its development began as a station on an important road, and it remains closely connected with the Via Francigena to this day.

History between the Cassia-Clodia and the Via Francigena

During the Roman Empire, La Storta was established as a posting station. It served for changing horses and providing rest for travelers and messengers. At the Roman horse-changing station on the ninth mile of the Cassia-Clodia, the place later developed into a town. Around the year 1000, the account of Abbot Sigeric documents its existence in connection with this station.

Sigeric also mentioned La Storta in his account of a pilgrimage to Rome along the Via Francigena. This historical connection shapes the way the place is classified. In the Middle Ages, increasing banditry and feuds led to La Storta being given the nickname “Malpasso.” The place may later have received the name “La Storta” because the Via Cassia curved and split there.

Medieval villages and ancient evidence

Isola Farnese is two kilometers from La Storta. The village, characterized by its medieval appearance, features a castle, walls and defensive towers. Near Isola Farnese, you can also access the archaeological area of the ancient Etruscan city of Veii, including the Sanctuary of Portonaccio. This means that different historical layers can be found in the surrounding area: a medieval village and the remains of an Etruscan city.

The surrounding area of La Storta is also home to the Pinacoteca Vaticana, a museum, and Palazzo Chigi, a palace. Both add to the cultural focus of the area without requiring you to limit La Storta to just one era. For your planning, history, art and archaeological discoveries can be considered here as different areas of interest.

Getting to Isola Farnese and planning stages

If you would like to reach Isola Farnese by public transport, you can take the FL3 Roma–Cesano railway line from Roma Valle Aurelia or Roma Ostiense. Get off at La Storta-Formello station and then walk 1.5 km.

The stages of the Via Francigena also give La Storta a specific place in your travel plans. Stage 44 runs from Campagnano to La Storta. Stage 45 leads from Campagnano di Roma to La Storta and can be completed on foot or by bicycle. It is classified as difficulty level E – Escursionistico, is 25 km long and has 489 meters of ascent and 611 meters of descent.

Other places for orientation

For further orientation, you can also visit these places: Gavignano, Tivoli Terme, Fonte Nuova, Lido Di Castel Fusano, Zagarolo, Lariano, Fregene, Castel Giuliano.

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