The "Walk to Canossa" refers to the journey made by Emperor Henry IV in 1077 to the castle of Canossa in northern Italy. This event was significant in the power struggle between the monarchy and the Papal authority, particularly involving Pope Gregory VII. Henry sought forgiveness from the Pope after being excommunicated, highlighting the tension between church and state during the Middle Ages. The walk symbolizes the struggle for power and the influence of the church over secular rulers. It is often seen as a pivotal moment in the Investiture Controversy, a conflict over the appointment of church officials. The event underscored the Pope's authority and the lengths to which rulers would go to maintain their power.