Bologna - Casalecchio di Reno - Sasso Marconi - Badolo
Length: 21.30 km
Difference in altitude: +817 m; -515 m
Time: 6.50 h
From the Bologna railway station, take Via Indipendenza and arrive in Piazza Maggiore , the real starting point (or arrival) of the Via degli Dei.
From Piazza Maggiore take Via d'Azeglio , pass the house of Lucio Dalla and then turn right into Via Farini and then left into Via Collegio di Spagna, from which we will continue on the left to arrive at Via Saragozza where we will meet the last shops and bars to buy the packed lunch of the first stage. Arriving at the Arco del Meloncello we begin to walk along the longest portico in the world: the one that leads to the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca .
Once you have gone up to San Luca and after having asked for "a grace" like the true Bolognese, you have to go back down to the Municipality of Casalecchio di Reno, continuing for 550 m on the asphalted road and taking Via de 'Brègoli on the right (CAI 112A) which leads to the Talon Park through a beautiful wooded forest. Right at the beginning of the path, after the dirt road, you meet a crossroads: both directions are fine but the path on the right is shorter and steeper (better to avoid it in case of rain). Arriving at the park, continue along the right bank of the Reno river , the left if you come from Bologna, the right because you consider the direction of the water, where you will meet the first signs of the Via degli Dei and the CAI 112 path. Marconi you reach the Naturalistic Oasis of San Gherardo (with water fountain) which was born from the recovery of a quarry near Palazzo de 'Rossi and today it is a place of protection and conservation of the local flora and fauna. It offers the opportunity to practice bird watching, trekking and Nordic walking and to deepen the knowledge of the geological and morphological aspects of the territory. The Oasis also has a "House of Nature": a documentation and scientific dissemination center equipped with educational spaces and reception services for schoolchildren and groups in which to deepen the study of native species and the natural environments of wetlands.
Pass the Naturalistic Oasis of San Gherardo and arrive at the asphalted road. Continue straight until you reach the Sasso / Pontecchio junction and take towards Sasso. Go up Via Vizzano and arriving at the " Ganzole " (CAI VD) you can reach Sasso Marconi or continue to Badolo.
Arriving at Prati di Mugnano , head inside the Park, pass the parking lot and arrive at the "Piazza" where you continue following the CAI 122 VD path which turns sharp left just before the Commenda crossroads. (if you get there, go back 50 meters).
Then continue on via delle Orchidee , turning right on the Provincial road of Badolo you will arrive at the Nova Arbora Botanical Garden , continuing along the paved road keeping to the left you will reach via delle Valli .
