Via della Lana e della Seta

The “Via della Lana e della Seta” (Path of the Wool and Silk) involves a 6-day trek connecting the cities of Bologna and Prato combining the discovery of the natural beauties of the mountains to that of the great local cultural heritage.

This itinerary, which boasts Medieval architecture and industrial archaeology linked to textile production, connects two cities already joined by their productive history: Bologna, the city of the Lock and canals and centuries’ old silk capital, and Prato, the city of the Cavalciotto, millstreams and fulling mills, capital of the wool and textile district.

Starting from Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, you arrive in Sasso Marconi passing by the Casalecchio Lock, the oldest hydraulic work in Europe still in operation and declared a “Heritage to Promote a Culture of Peace for the Young Generations” by UNESCO, and enjoying the thrill of walking over the Vizzano suspension bridge. As you admire the natural beauty of Montesole park, you arrive at Grizzana Morandi first and then on to Castiglione dei Pepoli, the third and fourth stops of the itinerary respectively.

The trek continues through the magnificent Lakes Suviana and Brasimone park and by Santa Maria Abbey in Montepiano as far as Vernio. From here, you climb the Calvana massif boasting rare species of flora and fauna, where it is not unusual to spot wild horses, and continue as far as Poggio Cocolla, to then descend to San Salvatore Abbey in Vaiano. Once in Vaiano, the sixth stop on the itinerary, the trail takes you to Prato passing by Cavalciotto di Santa Lucia, one of the leading examples of industrial archaeology in Italy dating back to the 11th century and an essential part of the Prato water system.

The “Via della Lana e della Seta” enables you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines full of excellencies and tradition, and discover the territory's history and culture.

Download here the Via della Lana e della Seta flyer:

 [ENG] Explore the Path of Wool and Silk

More information available on the official website of The Path of Wool and Silk