Summer is around the corner and the desire for adventure is calling? There is a trail waiting for you, an ancient path that crosses the beating heart of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines: the Via degli Dei. And June, with its long days and mild temperatures, is the ideal time to immerse yourself in this unique experience.
A journey through time, between history and nature
Imagine walking on a path shaped by Roman ingenuity, once a consular road connecting Bologna to Florence. The Via degli Dei is a dive into the past, a journey through centuries of history and culture. The name "Via degli Dei" derives from the evocative place names of the mountains that are crossed, such as Monte Adone, Monte Venere, Monzuno (Mons Iovis, mountain of Jupiter) and Monte Luario (Lua was the Roman goddess of expiation). Its origins date back to the 7th-4th century BC, but it was the skill of Roman engineers that gave it its definitive shape. Over time, the road lost its main role, transforming into a silent path, rediscovered only in the 1980s by a group of passionate hikers.
The Stages of the Via degli Dei: a journey into the heart of the Apennines
The Via degli Dei winds along a route of about 130 km, divided into six stages, each with its own charm and peculiarities:
- First STAGE: Bologna - Casalecchio di Reno - Sasso Marconi - Badolo: start from the vibrant Bologna, rich in history and culture, and cross the Bolognese hills until you reach Sasso Marconi, with its charming medieval village and the house-museum of Guglielmo Marconi.
- Second stage: Badolo - Brento - Monzuno - Madonna dei Fornelli: cross woods and meadows, admiring the breathtaking views of the Apennines. Stop in Monzuno, a village rich in history and traditions, and enjoy the tranquility of Madonna dei Fornelli.
- Third stage: Madonna dei Fornelli - Passo della Futa: this stage will take you through dense woods and meadows, until you reach the Passo della Futa, a historical place of the Gothic Line during World War II.
- Fourth stage: Passo della Futa - Sant'Agata - San Piero a Sieve: descend towards Tuscany, crossing increasingly gentle and hilly landscapes. Discover the charm of Sant'Agata and San Piero a Sieve, two villages rich in history and culture.
- Fifth stage: San Piero a Sieve - Bivigliano - Vetta Le Croci: continue your journey towards Florence, crossing hills and woods. Bivigliano, with its medieval castle, and Vetta Le Croci, with its panoramic view, will leave you breathless.
- Sixth stage: Vetta Le Croci - Fiesole - Florence: the last stage will lead you to the splendid Fiesole, with its Etruscan and Roman ruins, and finally to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and a world-famous city of art.
Why is June the ideal month?
June is the perfect month to embark on the Via degli Dei for several reasons:
- Ideal climate: the temperatures are pleasant, neither too hot nor too cold, perfect for walking without suffering the sweltering heat of summer or the biting cold of winter.
- Lush nature: the Apennines awaken in all their splendor, with lush vegetation and breathtaking views. The meadows are filled with colorful flowers, the beech forests offer shade and coolness, and you can admire wild orchids, martagon lilies and other rare species.
- Less crowded: compared to the summer months, June offers the possibility of enjoying the walk with more tranquility, easily finding accommodation without booking well in advance.
A route for everyone, but with the right preparation
The Via degli Dei is a route of about 130 km, suitable even for those who do not have much experience, but still requires good physical preparation. The daily stages can exceed 20 km and the altitude differences, in some sections, are challenging. But don't be discouraged, with the right preparation and the right equipment, you can face this challenge and reach the finish line. For more information and to request credentials, visit the official website of the Via degli Dei
Sleeping in a tent: a unique experience
And to make the experience even more authentic, why not sleep in a tent? Waking up surrounded by nature, under a starry sky, is an unforgettable emotion. The Via degli Dei offers several equipped camping areas, where you can fully experience the contact with the surrounding environment, immersed in the scents and sounds of nature.
If you are ready to embark on this adventure, all you have to do is pack your backpack and go. The Via degli Dei awaits you, with its breathtaking landscapes,