LA VIA DEGLI DEI ITINERARY

VIA DEGLI DEI

The Etruscans travelled this route between Fiesole and Felsina (as Bologna was then known) for trade and to consolidate their dominion over the Padana Plain for at least 4 centuries (7th - 4th century B.C.). Then the Romans, having founded the settlement of Bononia in 189 B.C., felt the need to guarantee a path through the Appennine Mountains linking Arezzo and Roma and paved an actual road over the old Etruscan trail. In the Middle Ages, the route was still the easiest way for travellers to cross these mountains, whether on foot or horseback. Thus the Roman road gave way to a narrow, unpaved mule-trail. Why is it called “ Via degli Dei” - pathway of the Gods? Because the trail runs through Monte Adone (Mount Adonis), Monzuno (Mons Iovis, Mound of Jupiter), Monte Venere (Venus), Monte Lunario (Lua was the Roman goddess of atonement). Today the Via degli Dei is one of the Appennines' major tourist attractions, with hikers and mountain bike enthusiasts alike retracing history and drinking in the uncontaminated beauty of these places. The trail is quite easy and can be hiked from Bologna to Florence in as few as 4 laps, or biked in as few as two.

Piazza Maggiore

San Luca

Badolo

Monzuno

Madonna dei Fornelli

Passo della Futa

Sant'Agata

Castello di Trebbio

Fiesole

Firenze