Pope goes on mountain excursion
After his heavy schedule during Holy Week and Easter, Pope John Paul took a welcome breather on Thursday afternoon. He left the Vatican for an unannounced excursion of several hours to Altipiani di Arcinazzo, a fir tree-covered area of plains and mountains 60 kilometres east of Rome. Located in the Italian region of Lazio, Altipiani di Arcinazzo is known for its two peaks, Mount Altuino and Mount Scalambra and for its archaeological ruins, including the vast and imposing ruins, now undergoing restoration, of the villa of Roman Emperor Trajan. The nearby town of Arcinazzo Romano is home to about 1,500 people. Source: VIS