1st STAGE: Bologna – Sasso Marconi (21 km)

The first leg of the walk along the Via della Lana e della Seta initially takes place among the streets of Bologna‘s historic center, beneath which flow the waters of the Reno Canal that once powered the city’s mills, paper mills, spinning mills and silk factories.
The route continues following the flow of the river to nearby Casalecchio di Reno and ends at Sasso Marconi, where the Setta River flows into the Reno.

It is a journey into the heart of Bologna’s thousand-year history, but also a walk through the nature of the Chiusa Park and thehilly area of the city.

Technical description:
The Wool and Silk Road on this stage has no particular difficulties. It is a simple track, which is traveled between asphalt and trails, and is characterized by the presence of the great river of Bologna.

For a stretch the route matches the famous Via degli Dei, which leads from Bologna to Florence, but unlike it it does not go up to the Sanctuary of San Luca. The two Routes intersect in the Chiusa Park, from Villa Talon to the turnoff for Vizzano where, turning toward Sasso Marconi, the Via della Lana e della Seta takes on its own unique and unmistakable character.

Length: 21 km
Height difference in ascent: 120 m
Height difference on descent: 110 m
Highest point: 150 m
Lowest point: 50 m
Type of surface: mixed

Technical tips:
Required to wear technical hiking clothing. Bring a rain/wind jacket, hat and sunglasses, sunscreen and at least 2.5L of water.

Municipality of departure: Bologna
Place of departure: Bologna, Piazza Maggiore
Municipality of arrival: Sasso Marconi
Place of arrival: Sasso Marconi

Recommended period:
April to November

Where to park:
Better to reach Bologna by train.

The Via della Lana e della Seta (Wool and Silk Road ) is a path that connects two cities that share an important manufacturing history, Bologna and Prato, in a trekking itinerary that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of theTuscan-Emilian Apennines.

The route goes through hamlets, Apennine valleys and passes, joining two cities of great historical value, which have also grown over the centuries thanks to the wise management of their “waters”: Bologna, the city of the Reno and its many channels, the silk capital for centuries, and Prato, the city of the Grasshopper, of gore and gualchiere, capital of the wool and textile district.

The entire route is 130 km long and is divided into 6 daily stages.