Via della Lana e della Seta

The Via della Lana e della Seta (Path of Wool and Silk)  also joins Emilia with Tuscany, starting in Bologna and reaching Prato. This union is already defined in the name of the way, where wool represents Prato and its textile industry, while silk refers to Bologna, once famous for the large textile production associated with this very yarn. The route is about 130 km long, which can be covered in an average of 6 days, depending on training.

Compared to other paths, this trek allows users to choose from a number of variants, so they can customize their route or choose to visit important historical-artistic emergencies around the original route. Walking along the Via della Lana e della Seta you will touch important places of real industrial archaeology, such as the Chiusa di Casalecchio (the oldest European hydraulic work still in operation and used uninterruptedly) and the Cavalciotto di Prato (an important work that had the function of diverting the course of the Bisenzio River and feeding the local textile industries). The Via della Lana e della Seta also crosses the unforgettable naturalistic landscapes of a less renowned Apennine area, thus giving the route a fascinating and wild character. Just think of the bridge at Vizzano and the paths in the area of the Regional Historical Park of Monte Sole and Grizzana Morandi, which pass through silent forests and medieval villages where time seems to stand still. Then on to Castiglione dei Pepoli with its historic center of exposed stone architecture, reaching Tuscany; first to Vernio then to Vaiano. Don't miss the Rocca di Cerbaia and the trekking stretch along the Calvana Massif, among rocky vistas and horses in the wild. The destination is Piazza del Duomo in Prato, the last place where it will be possible to stamp the official credential of the path, which every wayfarer can take with them to record each stage.

Choosing the Via della Lana e della Seta means choosing a path that is decidedly different from others, less busy and wilder, characterized by a special charm that hovers over the lesser-known paths of the Apennines.