Six contemporary artworks were inaugurated in December 2019 on the northern Via Francigena pilgrimage route in the territories of Acquapendente and San Lorenzo Nuovo in Lazio. The installations were created through the “Arte sui Cammini” (Art on Pathways) initiative, promoted by the Lazio Region and realised by the Quasar Institute for Advanced Design as part of the “Epifanie” project.
The Artworks and Their Themes
Roman artist Andreco created a mural titled “Bastoni” (Sticks) near Porta della Ripa in Acquapendente, drawing inspiration from the peasant traditions of Tuscia and the symbolic significance of the walking stick across multiple cultures. The work honours the multicultural and borderless nature of pilgrimage, representing the staff as an object of ritual and spiritual value carried by pilgrims and travellers.
Artist Renzo Gallo contributed five interconnected works in San Lorenzo Nuovo: “Partenza” (Departure) at the sports stadium entrance along Via Cassia; “Cammino” (Journey), a polychrome pavement marking where the Via Francigena diverges from the Cassia; “Incontro” (Encounter) placed in a woodland area; “Direzione” (Direction), a linear arrangement of local basalt elements; and “Testimonianza” (Testimony), featuring a circular metal well structure filled with polychrome stones collected along the journey, located at a crossroads on the road to Bolsena.
Regional Support and Community Engagement
Regional Councillor Enrico Panunzi stated that such initiatives combining culture and tourism benefit the territory, allowing historic villages to maintain their character while remaining open to contemporary development. Architects Luigi Prisco and Simone Quilici from the Lazio Region’s Cultural Heritage Enhancement department noted that the “fairly risky” venture of placing modern art on historic pilgrimage routes succeeded in creating an open-air contemporary art museum on the Via Francigena.
Professor Benedetto Todaro, Scientific Director of Quasar, emphasised the project’s complexity, requiring reflection on art’s role in medieval times and how modern art could dialogue with the sacred. The selection of artwork locations and themes was achieved through consensus among artists, merchants, and residents.
Visitor Information
Each artwork is accompanied by an explanatory plaque with a QR code linking to videos documenting the construction process and providing comprehensive project information. Through the Epifanie.it website, QR codes provide access to a map of artistic sites in the area, with visitor discounts available through the platform.
Frequently asked questions
Who created the artworks in this project?
Roman artist Andreco created the “Bastoni” mural in Acquapendente, while artist Renzo Gallo created five interconnected works in San Lorenzo Nuovo titled “Partenza,” “Cammino,” “Incontro,” “Direzione,” and “Testimonianza.”
What do the artworks represent?
The installations draw on pilgrimage symbolism and local cultural traditions, with the walking stick serving as a universal symbol of journey across different cultures and religions, and the works collectively forming an open-air contemporary art museum along the historic route.
How can visitors access information about the artworks?
Each artwork includes a plaque with a QR code providing videos about construction and project details, with the Epifanie.it website offering a map of artistic sites in the area and visitor discounts through the platform.
