Hilaire Belloc's The Path to Rome is the true story of Belloc's journey in 1901 to fulfill his vow to arrive in Rome in time for High Mass on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29. The journey, planned for approximately 750 miles (about 1,200 km), is both a physical and spiritual exploration of the European landscape at the turn of the 20th century. The book is filled with Belloc's insightful observations of the landscape, culture, local people, and their diverse interactions. The narrative is interspersed with philosophical reflections, commentary on European history and the Catholic faith, humorous anecdotes, songs, and hand-drawn sketches by Belloc himself. Writing in a distinctive, meandering style (called 'carnivalesque'), Belloc uses his journey as a metaphor for the broader human pilgrimage, exploring themes such as humility, faith, and the nature of human existence. The Path to Rome is considered Belloc's finest work, written purely out of love, and remains essential reading for those interested in travel literature, history, and Catholic spirituality.