Via Mater Dei

The Via Mater Dei is a recently established trek that touches the main marian shrines in the Bolognese Apennines, winding its way for nearly 160 km through forests, trails and fascinating historic villages. It is a trek that starts in urban areas, from the church of Santa Maria della Vita, located in the center of Bologna, and then stretches into hilly and finally mountainous areas.

From the city, it passes through Rastignano and then goes up the Val di Zena to Madonna dei Fornelli and Ripoli, then descends again to Riola di Vergato from where it is possible to return to Bologna by train, closing the loop trail. The guiding thread of the Via Mater Dei are the sanctuaries: pilgrims will come across places of great beauty such as the majestic Sanctuary of San Luca, overlooking Bologna, the church of Santa Maria di Zena on the top of Monte delle Formiche, the silent and fascinating sanctuary of the Beata Vergine delle Grazie in Boccadirio, and finally the church of the Beata Vergine della Consolazione, from which one can enjoy a boundless panorama of the Reno valley.

Also unforgettable are the naturalistic landscapes, evocative and exciting, from the hills of Bologna to the gullies of the Zena valley and the crystal-clear lake of Castel dell'Alpi. Those who choose to walk the Via Mater Dei will find themselves totally immersed in the culture and traditions of the Bolognese Apennines, through a sometimes challenging but highly spiritual and meditative route.