Rothar Routes

Cycle routes & pilgrim journeys in Ireland and Europe …..

Posts tagged ‘Via Francigena’

Columbanus of Carlow

Tomb of Columbanus, Bobbio, Italy

Tomb of Columbanus, Bobbio, Italy

 

At long last Carlow is recognising Columbanus as one of its own. Plans are afoot to commemorate the 1400 anniversary of the death of Columbanus in his reputed home place, Myshall.

Cardinal Tomás O Fiaich mentioned in his book on Columbanus that he is thought to have been born on the Carlow – Wexford border area. Myshall parish are set to honour the man with a series of events this summer.

 

Cover of Columbanus by Tomás ó Fiaich

Cover of Columbanus by Tomás ó Fiaich

 

Born around the year 543, Columbanus left his homeland with a handful of followers and established a succession of famous monasteries in Europe – Annegray, Fontaine, Luxeil and Bobbio.

I had the privilege in 2010 of cycling to Rome from Canterbury with my son Ronan following the ancient Via Francigena. We were acutely aware that we were probably the first Irish people to follow under our own steam, the journey of Columbanus.

Knowing the Carlow roots of Columbanus we diverted from the route to pay tribute to the great man at his tomb in beautiful rural Bobbio.

Bridge across the Trebbia at Bobbio

Bridge across the Trebbia at Bobbio

 

We picked up another ancient route, the Via d’egli Abati (The Abbots Way), across wild country side to rejoin the Francigena further south and on to Rome.

Hopefully 2014 will be the start of local recognition of Columbanus and his Carlow roots.

Via Francigena

Christmas is a great time to reminisce. I haven’t looked at this video in a while so it was great to light the fire, put the feet up and marvel at the journey!.

Ronan and I did this pilgrimage route in 2010, starting in Canterbury, taking the Ferry at Dover to Calais and then crossing mighty France, Switzerland and the Alps over the St Bernard Pass, down into the Aosta Valley and south to Rome.

St Bernard Pass

St Bernard Pass

The route we followed is being revived; now there is controversy over the route as it becomes mired in politics and bureaucracy. In any event it was an incredible route; we tried to be as authentic as possible in following the route pilgrims took back the centuries. This meant we were off road for some considerable stretches and if not off road, were on minor roads for 95% of the way. The off road stretches saw us in parts following old Roman roads or crossing farm land on dirt tracks. Great fun and easy to get lost as their is no signposting, or at least very very little!

Roman Road

Ronan on a Roman Road in France

Part of our plan was to divert from the ancient pilgrimage route to Rome and travel to Bobbio and then take the Via d’egli Abati to rejoin the Via Francigena further south.

Crypt of Columbanus

Crypt of Columbanus

Bobbio is the resting place of the great Irish saint, St Columbanus. This major figure is reputed to be from the Carlow / Wexford border area and we were delighted to possibly be the first Carlovians since Columbanus to travel to Bobbio under our own steam!.

The bridge at Bobbio

The bridge at Bobbio

We had a few hiccups along the way and had to take the train due to illness and running out of time.

The Via Francigena.

That leaves Jerusalem to be reached in the future!

Bike to Jerusalem!

Bike to Jerusalem!