Via degli Dei

At a Glance

• Start / Finish: Bologna → Florence
• Length: 132.9 km
• Elevation gain:↗ 3,554 m / ↘ 3,578 m
• Duration: about 5–6 days on foot
• Other names: Way of the Gods, Via degli Dèi
• Character: A rugged Apennine trek along Roman roads between two cities of art

Overview

The Via degli Dei—“Path of the Gods”—is one of Italy’s most famous long-distance hiking trails. It connects Bologna and Florence over a distance of about 133 kilometers across the Apennines. It owes its name to the mountains it passes through: Monte Adone, Monte Venere, and Monzuno (from *Mons Iovis*, “Mountain of Jupiter”).

For long stretches, the trail follows the route of the Roman Flaminia Militare, whose original paving stones are still preserved in some places. It is not a pilgrimage to a grave, but a journey through forests, history, and silence—with two great cities of art as its starting point and destination.

Other Names

• Italian: Via degli Dèi
• English: Way of the Gods
• German: Path of the Gods

The name alludes to the peaks named after ancient gods that line the trail.

Who This Route Is Ideal For—and Who It's Not

Ideal if you want to hike a rugged, forested mountain trail between two great cities in about a week—with good train connections at both ends. Perfect for a short hiking vacation.

Not the best choice if you're looking for an easy, flat route all the way through: The Apennines require good physical conditioning and sure-footedness, and it can be hot in midsummer and wet and cold in winter.

Route & Landscape

From Bologna, the trail climbs through the hills into the Apennines, passing through oak and beech forests and over quiet ridges. Highlights include the preserved sections of the Roman Flaminia Militare and scenic peaks such as Monte Adone.

On the Tuscan side, the route leads over the Passo della Futa and through the Mugello Valley down to Florence.

Stages, Terrain & Difficulty

Over a distance of about 133 kilometers, you’ll climb about 3,550 meters in elevation—a challenging mountain trail, but easily manageable in 5–6 days. Sure-footedness is helpful on the sections with Roman cobblestones. The trail is well marked (CAI signs and its own signage).

Accommodations (agritourism farms, B&Bs, mountain huts) are conveniently located throughout the area—but be sure to book in advance during peak season.

The Flaminia Militare and the Mounts of the Gods—the Heart of the Trail

What makes it special is the Flaminia Militare, a Roman road built in 187 B.C., whose original stone pavement has been uncovered on some of the downhill sections—you’re literally walking on stones that are 2,000 years old.

In between lie the "Mountains of the Gods": Monte Adone, Monte Venere, and Monzuno, which give the trail its mythical name and offer magnificent views of the Apennines.

• Find the exposed sections of the Military Flaminia – They are marked with signs.
• Plane in Bologna and Florence one day each for the cities of art.
• Set out early in the height of summer; water sources aren't available everywhere in the forest.

Highlights Along the Way

• Bologna – Start in the city of arcades and home to Europe’s oldest university.
• Military Flaminia – An exposed Roman paved road in the Apennines.
• Mount Adone / Mount Venere – A scenic peak named after a god.
• Futa Pass – highest point with a large military cemetery.
• Florence – A destination in the cradle of the Renaissance.

How Pilgrims Find Their Way onto This Path

The Via degli Dei begins in the heart of Bologna at Piazza Maggiore—accessible by high-speed train from all over Italy, with the airport located just outside the city. There is no influx of pilgrims: this route is a journey in its own right between two cities of art.

Continue the pilgrimage?

The Via degli Dei ends in Florence—not in Santiago and not in Rome. If you don’t want to stop being a pilgrim, you can switch from here to the Via Francigena (Italy): By train, you can reach Siena or San Miniato in an hour and continue on the main Italian route to Rome—and from there, if you like, on the Southern Via Francigena all the way to the tip of the boot.

Preparation & Practical Information

The best time to visit is from spring through fall; midsummer can be hot, and winter in the Apennines is wet and cold. Accommodations include agriturismi, B&Bs, and rifugios—advance booking is recommended. A pilgrim or hiker’s pass isn’t required, but a “Credenziale della Via degli Dei” with stamps is popular.

What the journey will cost you

Italy is more expensive than Spain. Roughly speaking, budget €40–70 per day, depending on your accommodations (B&Bs and agriturismos instead of pilgrim hostels), plus meals.

Getting There

The starting point and destination—Bologna and Florence—are easily accessible by high-speed train.

• Train to Bologna / from Florence: Both are on the Italian high-speed rail line. Italian Railways– Italian railways, routes, and tickets.
• Return trip: It takes about 40 minutes by train to travel from Florence to Bologna and back. Italian Railways– Connections.