Author Archives: M. Roland

The DIY Italy Prize!

Posted on July 28, 2026 by M. Roland

On a morning run in Latera, past vineyards and fields of hazelnuts and olive trees, I suddenly realized, I “won” my own DIY “Italy Prize.” Self-created and self-conferred! You may have heard of the prestigious Rome Prize. Each year, the American Academy … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged @amacademyrome, American Academy in Rome, Later, Le Morte Darthur, Rome Prize, Thomas Malory, Via Francigena, Visiting Scholar program | 4 Comments

Signs along the way: Via Francigena

Posted on July 24, 2026 by M. Roland

Walking country roads and forest paths meant that the usual phone map would not be suitable for our trek. With the relevant pages of a guide book torn out and tucked in my backpack and with the All Trails app … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Le Morte Darthur, Thomas Malory, Via Francigena | Leave a comment

To Lift the Spirit: Churches and Flowers of Latera

Posted on July 14, 2026 by M. Roland

What are the structures or practices that lift everyday life with a sense of spirituality, beauty, or hope? In Latera, there are both historic and contemporary options: churches and flowers. Latera is a town dedicated to public art but in terms … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged La Casa Etruria, Latera, Le Morte Darthur, Thomas Malory, Via Francigena | Leave a comment

In an Italian newspaper (Lazio Courier, June 25, 2026): “USA Writer Captivated by Small Village”

Posted on July 2, 2026 by M. Roland

And, indeed, I was! See the article below, in Italian. And below that, a rough translation from Google translate. What a pleasure to write about the town of Latera–and, in turn, be written about!–inspired by our journey on the Via … Continue reading →

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Latera and Art: Transforming a 12th century village into a contemporary open-air art museum

Posted on June 26, 2026 by M. Roland

With its origins as a 12th century medieval village (and a record of settlement far back into antiquity), Latera is embracing contemporary art to help define its identity for the 21st century. For a small community, it is remarkable how much creativity … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Art, King Arthur, La Casa Etruria, Latera, Lazio, passionate geography, Public Art, Roman War, the Art Farm, Thomas Malory, travel memoir, Via Francigena | 6 Comments

Latera: persone gentili (kind people)

Posted on June 16, 2026 by M. Roland

Traveling often focuses on sights to see, restaurants to sample, and negotiating crowds. Staying in Latera for two weeks, however, gave us a chance to get to know a few of the 770 people who call the quiet town of … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Dante, La Casa Etruria, Latera, Lazio, Le Morte Darthur, passionate geography, Roman War, Thomas Malory, travel memoir, Via Francigena | Leave a comment

Latera: bosco (woods)

Posted on June 13, 2026 by M. Roland

Slate gray bedazzled by iridescent green. The boschi (forests) of Latera burst with spring color, softly surrounding the town as a breathing cloud, a magical green world. One minute you are in town and the next you are enveloped in … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged arthurian-literature, Italy, La Casa Etruria, Latera, Lazio, trail of the Brigandi, Via Francigena | 2 Comments

Latera: Borgo Medievale

Posted on June 10, 2026 by M. Roland

You might wonder: what is it like to live in a small medieval village? Well, thanks to La Casa Etruria Artist Residency, we had a chance to experience a little bit of what it might be like. Just ten miles from the official … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Italy, La Casa Etruria, Latera, Lazio, Via Francigena | Leave a comment

Via Francigena Day 5: La Storta to Rome (19.2 km, but about 15 km for us)

Posted on May 26, 2026 by M. Roland

[Reader, if you are just joining this journey, click on the “About” tab for context. The chronological posts begin in January 2026.] May 13, 2026 (Wednesday). Pilgrimage. Chaucer began his famed Canterbury Tales with the fictional, genial tavern keeper, Harry Bailly, announcing … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Le Morte Darthur, passionate geography, Roman War, roman-britain, Thomas Malory, travel memoir, Via Francigena, walking | 2 Comments

Via Francigena: Day 4 Campagnano to La Storta (24 km)

Posted on May 23, 2026 by M. Roland

May 12, 2026 (Tuesday). Primavera/ Regeneration Oh glorious new day and the regeneration of both sleep and springtime! Paul worked on my back and we have new energy for the day and walk ahead. Notice that the map of Campagnano … Continue reading →