One of the great myths of the past comes to life with the Route of Aeneas, a wonderful itinerary that allows fans to retrace the journey of the Trojan hero, who Virgilio sang in his own writings. A massive adventure that will require more than one trip nowadays, unless you want to undertake a long journey through 5 different countries, among which, of course, Italy stands out. An experience to try, certified by the Council of Europe.
The itineraries belonging to this restricted certified circle are, to date, 45. A list that has been updating since 1987, with the Santiago's walk to lead the way. Each voice in the chapter pushes travelers to discover splendid places, following paths characterized by archaeological, artistic and religious testimonies. Areas that also boast an enormous naturalistic value.
Discovering the Route of Aeneas
The Route of Aeneas represents a “unicum” of its kind. It is in fact the first tourist-archaeological-maritime route that takes its initial steps in Turkey and land in Europe. Living it fully means trying your hand at the Mediterranean landscapes, following Virgil's Aeneid. All promoted by the Rotta di Enea Association, in collaboration with the Municipality of Edremit, in Turkey, and the Lavinium foundation, in Italy.
A path composed of 21 main stages, involving the following countries:
- Turkey
- Greece
- Albania
- tunisia
- Italy
Along the hero's journey it will also be possible to find oneself living fully well six Unesco sites:
- Troy
- Delo
- Butrint
- Mount Etna
- Carthage
- Cilento Park
- Vallo di Diano
An exciting journey, which aims to reach the city of Rome, also discovering three National Parks: Mount Ida, in Turkey, Butrint National Park, in Albania, and the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, in Italy.
Aeneas in Italy
As mentioned, it is difficult to think that someone wants to make the same journey as the hero, step by step, without ever stopping. It is much more reasonable to assume individual visits, perhaps focusing on the Italian territory, which offers a large number of stages to discover.
His stay in Sicily was long, where he landed in Trapani. Before resuming their journey, it offers women, children and the elderly the opportunity to stop in this region, founding the city of Acesta, today known as Segesta. So he sets foot in Campania, giving himself the view of the Coast of the Infreschi, reaching Palinuro. The journey continues in the direction of Cuma, going up towards Pozzuoli and discovering the beauties of the Phlegraean Fields Archaeological Park. The entry into Lazio sees him pass through Gaeta, which legend has it that it takes its name from the nurse of Aeneas (Caieta), buried here. The new stage is Lavinum, today Sea Practice, place of the origins of the Roman people, who descended from the mythical hero.
Numerous trips to be made, passing through different regions. It could be one of the good intentions for a spectacular personal restart after Covid. Follow the footsteps of Aeneas for a summer, and not only, full of adventure. Breathtaking views, history, archeology and nature. A mix that only Italy is able to provide with many different facets.
How wonderful!
Very nice.