The ROMEA GERMANICA IMPERIALE WAY links Trento with Arezzo passing through Modena and is part of the Romea Germanica road network. Over the past centuries, it has been frequently used for military, religious and trade purposes. The major route was travelled in both directions by Celts, Etruscans and Romans and much later by the Lombards, Franks, and the Germanic people. From the 18th century on, it has steadily become the most important route connecting Central Italy with Europe, the State Highway and the Abetone-Brennero motorway. Nowadays the path offers many different landscapes: you can cross the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and walk along waterways, which were once preferred over roads to move between the Adige, Arno, Secchia and Scoltenna rivers. Here the Lombards defeated the Byzantines once and for all. You will also find art heritage cities like Modena, which boasts the Ghirlandina, a bell tower that has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and small historical hamlets like Fiumalbo, which has officially been deemed one of the most beautiful hamlets in Italy. On your way, you will also have the chance to stop in areas known for their PDO and PGI culinary specialties.
Intersections:
The trail intersects with the Wool and Silk Road and runs parallel to the Romea Strata Longobarda Nonantolana Way and Romea Nonantolana Way which it joins at Modena.