Mater Dei
Via Mater Dei is the path that connects some among the several Marian Shrines located
across the Apennines of Bologna, offering a significant glimpse of the landscapes and culture
of the Tuscany region. Following naturalistic paths of great beauty and interest, it crosses
areas of great historical and archaeological importance, as well as lively and fascinating
mountain villages, where it is possible to deeply breathe the culture and atmosphere of
these places. The route, from Bologna and its hills, winds through the Val di Zena (Pianoro)
towards the Monte delle Formiche. It then heads towards the archaeological-naturalistic
area of Monte Bibele (Monterenzio), passing along the important points of interest of the
municipalities of Loiano and Monghidoro, to the natural lake of Castel dell'Alpi. Crossing the
municipality of San Benedetto Val di Sambro, it moves to Tuscany, visiting the characteristic
village of Bruscoli, an extremely representative area for culture and history of this region.
The shrines of Boccadirio, Ripoli and Montovolo, together with the suggestive Monte
Catarelto, frame the second part of the walk, among the beautiful landscapes of the
municipalities of Castiglione dei Pepoli, Camugnano, Grizzana Morandi and Vergato.
Spirituality and wonder are mixed on this journey, a showcase of the marvels of the Tuscan-
Emilian Apennines.
Junctions: the Via Mater Dei runs along a stretch of the Via del Fantini in Val di Zena, crosses the Via
degli Dei in Madonna dei Fornelli and the Via della Lana e della Seta in Castiglione dei Pepoli
and near Montovolo.
