Walking to Heaven: Italy's Via Matilda with Kate Bolton-Porciatti
Learn with Kate Bolton-Porciatti

Walking to Heaven: Italy's Via Matilda with Kate Bolton-Porciatti

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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Stretching from Lombardy, across the Apennines to Tuscany, the Via Matilda traverses the ancient feudal lands of the 11th-century countess Matilda of Canossa - a thousand years of history in 400 thousand footsteps. Join a local expert on Italian cultural history to learn more about Italy’s most seraphic hiking trail.
Our journey begins in the Renaissance city of Mantua and ends in the walled medieval town of Lucca. We meander through the Valley of the River Po, past sleepy Renaissance towns and ancient monasteries where Parma ham and balsamic vinegar were first made around a thousand years ago.
The route then rises into the mountainous ridge of the Apennines - through mystical scenery. Bucolic hills drift into dune-like “calanchi” (corroded sandstone slopes) above which rise dramatic hill-top castles, towers and tors. A millennium ago, they formed a chain of fortifications protecting Matilda’s territories. The most famous of them is Canossa Castle – a legendary place, Italy’s Camelot - now romantically ruined. Timeless cultural traditions live on in the higher Apennines, including the recitation of epic poetry in remote mountain villages.
Countless hikers and pilgrims have traversed this territory over the centuries, partisans and prisoners of war have taken refuge here, while artists and poets have been inspired by its celestial views. Today, it is a glorious way to explore a forgotten Italy - far from the madding crowd.
Led by an expert on Italian cultural history, Kate Bolton-Porciatti (who has walked the route in its entirety), this interactive seminar will explore the history, culture, flora and fauna of the Via Matilda. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased appreciation of one of Italy's most hauntingly beautiful pilgrim routes.

Kate Bolton-Porciatti is a professor of Italian cultural history and music at the Istituto Lorenzo de'Medici in Florence, where she teaches BA and MA courses in the humanities. She also lectures at the British Institute, Florence, and at the Chigiana Music Academy in Siena. Kate has published extensively as an academic and a journalist; she is a music critic for BBC Music and a travel writer for The Daily Telegraph, UK. Before moving to Italy permanently in 2005, she was a senior producer and broadcaster for BBC Arts & Classical Music in London and has won prestigious Jerusalem and Sony Awards for her programs. She did her M.Phil. thesis in Italy, exploring the musical culture of early Renaissance Florence.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 81 reviews
98%
(79)
1%
(1)
1%
(1)
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A
A.B. (South Deerfield, US)
Fabulous Speaker and Content

Wonderful mix of history, travel info, and scenery.

J
J.M. (Bellingham, US)

Kate's knowledgeable, works hard to provide a visually-rich presentation, and is a pleasant companion on the journey . She does a great job.

P
P.H. (Boston, US)

Guest did not leave comment

M
M.S. (Vancouver, CA)

Very interesting presentation with beautiful photos.

A
A. (Beachwood, US)

Kate’s presentation was a perfect travelogue—history, poetry, architecture, local culture, all combined with deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the area. Her delivery was articulate, warm and personal. She was a joy to listen to. I felt as though I were traveling with her. Delightful!

123
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Customer Reviews

Based on 81 reviews
98%
(79)
1%
(1)
1%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
A
A.B. (South Deerfield, US)
Fabulous Speaker and Content

Wonderful mix of history, travel info, and scenery.

J
J.M. (Bellingham, US)

Kate's knowledgeable, works hard to provide a visually-rich presentation, and is a pleasant companion on the journey . She does a great job.

P
P.H. (Boston, US)

Guest did not leave comment

M
M.S. (Vancouver, CA)

Very interesting presentation with beautiful photos.

A
A. (Beachwood, US)

Kate’s presentation was a perfect travelogue—history, poetry, architecture, local culture, all combined with deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the area. Her delivery was articulate, warm and personal. She was a joy to listen to. I felt as though I were traveling with her. Delightful!

123