The Via Mater Dei, a 135 km long hiking trail, can be undertaken in six legs from Bologna to the peaks of the Apennines among the various Marian shrines that dot the hills.
The trail starts from the church of Santa Maria della Vita, in Bologna, and continues to the Sanctuary of San Luca, crossing the Savena Valley until Rastignano.
During the second stage you will visit the Sanctuary of Monte delle Formiche and then move to Barbarolo and its ancient Pieve.
The third leg offers you the chance to admire the sanctuaries of Campeggio, Madonna dei Boschi and Piamaggio, all located within the municipality of Monghidoro.
Descending from Monghidoro towards the Savena Valley in the vicinity of Castel dell’Alpi Lake, you will reach the churches of Madonna della Neve and Madonna dei Fornelli.
On the fourth day, from Madonna dei Fornelli, you will get to the Sanctuary of Boccadirio following the Flaminia Militare trail, the ancient Roman paved road, eventually ending up in the Tuscan territory.
After crossing the Setta Valley, the fifth stage runs between two sanctuaries located in the municipality of Castiglione dei Pepoli and on the top of the Montovolo hill respectively.
You will finally come back to the municipality of San Benedetto for the last leg that leads you to the Sanctuary of Ripoli.
Download here the Via Mater Dei flyer:
For more information please visit the official website.
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