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Walk to Canossa

Type Event Region Italy Time 1077

In January 1077 Henry IV crossed the Alps to Canossa, standing barefoot for three days to obtain Pope Gregory VII's lifting of his excommunication.

Timeline

  1. 1077Alps · AlpsFacing the deadline set by the princes for his deposition, Henry IV crossed the frozen Alps in midwinter with a small retinue, hurrying to Italy to seek the pope's absolution, enduring great hardships along the way.
  2. 1077Canossa Castle · Emilia-RomagnaHenry IV stood barefoot for three days and nights outside Countess Matilda's castle at Canossa, dressed in penitential garb, awaiting an audience with Pope Gregory VII — one of the most famous scenes of humiliation and reconciliation in medieval political history.
  3. 1077Canossa Castle · Emilia-RomagnaAfter Henry completed the penitential rite, Gregory VII lifted his excommunication; Henry temporarily kept his throne, but the fundamental disagreement over investiture rights remained unresolved, and conflict soon erupted again.

Sources