Information
“Via Mater Dei” (mater dei route) is a walk of about 157 kilometres dedicated to the Marian Sanctuaries of the Bolognese Apennines. It crosses seven Bolognese municipalities before reaching Firenzuola: Pianoro, Loiano, Monghidoro, San Benedetto Val di Sambro, Castiglione dei Pepoli, Camugnano and Grizzana Morandi.
Starting from the historical centre of Bologna, not far from Piazza Maggiore, the itinerary winds its way across the ridges and ravines of the Apennines. It includes seven stages, totally immersed in lush greenery.
It is a route rich in religious heritage and with an interesting natural landscape. Don’t miss the Sanctuaries of: Santa Maria della Vita, Beata Vergine di San Luca with its portico, Santa Maria di Zena, Madonna dei Boschi, Madonna di Lourdes, Madonna di Pompei, Madonna della Neve, Madonna di Ripoli, Beata Vergine delle Grazie di Boccadirio and Beata Vergine della Consolazione.
Learn more on: https://viamaterdei.it/en/
More updated info on the trail HERE.
Santuario di Montovolo
Santa Maria di Zena - Monte delle Formiche
map Stages
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1
Bologna – Rastignano
- Lenght : 22 km
- Difference in level: +734m/ -705m
- Time: 7 h
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2
Rastignano – Zeno Pianoro
- Lenght : 20,4 km
- Difference in level: +772m/ -675m
- Time: 7,5 h
-
3
Zeno Pianoro – Loiano
- Lenght : 22,6 km
- Difference in level: +1355m/ -849m
- Time: 8,5 h
-
4
Loiano – Madonna dei Fornelli
- Lenght : 25,4 km
- Difference in level: +1116m/ - 1091m
- Time: 9 h
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5
Madonna dei Fornelli – Baragazza
- Lenght : 24,2 km
- Difference in level: +966m/ - 1080m
- Time: 9 h
-
6
Baragazza – Ripoli
- Lenght : 25,2 km
- Difference in level: +988m/ -1124m
- Time: 9 h
-
7
Ripoli – Riola
- Lenght : 18,7 km
- Difference in level: +802m/ -1117m
- Time: 7,5 h
bar_chart Technical Info
- Km: 156,9 km
- Stages: 7/8
- Municipalities: 11
- Regions: 2
The stage from Madonna dei Fornelli to Baragazza is a difficult one We recommend to split it into two separate stages:
Madonna dei Fornell – Bruscoli
13,9 km
+524/ -554
4,5 h
Bruscoli – Baragazza
10,3 km
+442/ – 526
4,5 h
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High-top hiking boots and thermal anti-blister socks are recommended.
40/50 litre rucksack that should never exceed 7-8 kg (water included. At least 3 litres per day are recommended in summer. On some parts of the route there are neither drinking water fountains nor shops)
Hiking map
First aid kit
GPS system for orientation
Telephone and battery charger + power bank
Walkable all year round. Caution, during summer periods for high temperatures and winter periods for low temperatures and snow.
Download the GPX track or buy the paper map at eXtraBO
Available at the eXtraBO point is a credential where stamps can be collected along the way.
