The Via Mater Dei is a 157 km-long path divided into seven stages that winds its way from Bologna to the peaks of the Apennines among the various Marian Shrines scattered across the hills.  

The route starts from Santa Maria della Vita in Bologna and heads to the Sanctuary of San Luca before crossing the Savena valley towards Rastignano. Following the second stage, the route takes in the evocative Mater Pacis Altar, before plunging into the beautiful Zena valley. The third stage includes a visit to the Sanctuary of Monte delle Formiche and the natural archaeological area of Monte Bibele, finally ending in the beautiful town of Loiano.

On this third stage you can also admire the Sanctuaries of Campeggio, Madonna dei Boschi and Piamaggio, all located within the Municipality of Monghidoro. From Monghidoro we descend towards the Savena Valley, touching on the Lake of Castel dell'Alpi and reaching as far as the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Neve at Madonna dei Fornelli. From Madonna dei Fornelli, on the fourth day, we proceed up to the Sanctuary of Boccadirio, passing through the beautiful Tuscan village of Bruscoli, steeped in history and home to an interesting museum. From the Sanctuary in Castiglione dei Pepoli, we follow the richly marked ridge of the Second World War towards the open-air Sanctuary of Monte Catarelto with its breathtaking views.

We then cross the Setta river and get to the Sanctuary of Ripoli, where the last stage of the route begins, leading to the Sanctuary of Montovolo, in the municipality of Grizzana Morandi, before heading down to Riola di Vergato past the lovely village of La Scola near the Rocchetta Mattei.  

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