Bologna - Casalecchio di Reno - Sasso Marconi - Badolo

Length: 29.10 km 

Difference in altitude: + 1264; - 784 

Time: 9 h  

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Note: Once you reach  Centro Tutela Fauna, you can shorten the stage by continuing straight instead of passing through Monte Adone. In this case, the route becomes 26.9 km with an elevation gain/loss of +1102 / -694, for a duration of 7 hours and 30 minutes. The climb to Monte Adone can then be done the following day.
If your end point for the stage is Badolo, the route becomes 22.9 km with an elevation gain/loss of +905 / -532.

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Your adventure along the Via degli Dei is about begins!

From Bologna’s FS train station, take Via Indipendenza and reach Piazza Maggiore, the true starting point (or finishing point for those coming from Florence) of the Via degli Dei.

From Piazza Maggiore, take Via d’Azeglio, pass by the house of Lucio Dalla, then turn right onto Via Farini and left onto Via Collegio di Spagna. Continue left to reach Via Saragozza, where you’ll find many shops and bars to buy your packed lunch for the first stage.

Once you reach the Arco del Meloncello, begin the ascent along what is the longest portico in the world: the one leading to famous Sanctuary  Santuraio della Beata Vergine di San Luca 

After reaching San Luca, after about 600 meters of paved road and passing through a gate, take the Bregoli path. From here, follow the directions on the app and the local signage, as the original path is currently closed.

The descent takes you past the Church of San Martino and then into Parco Talon. Shortly after, you will reach a fork: the Via degli Dei continues to the left and follows the entire Via Panoramica – CAI 112

 

Alternative route in case of rain or muddy conditions
On the right, you can see the Casalecchio canalock , a UNESCO World Heritage site, a symbolic landmark for the area and for the route.

The following detour is very important in case of rain or if it has rained in previous days, in order to avoid muddy sections.

The Via della Lana e della Seta, usually recommended in case of mud or heavy rain, is currently interrupted after crossing the “Via degli Dei” bridge.

We therefore recommend taking the bus in Casalecchio di Reno (Parco Talon) from the “Casalecchio Chiusa” stop. The available bus lines are: 92, 706, 826, or 856.

To check the timetables : https://www.tper.it/orari

 

Once You reach the  “Borgonuovo” stop by bus,  follow the route highlighted in red in the image to reconnect with the Via della Seta trail at the Laghi del Maglio area.

As always, we suggest  you follow alerts and updates on the Walk Plus app.