The Via degli Dei: A Journey from Bologna to Florence on Foot

There’s something magical about the idea of walking between two cities—especially when those cities are Bologna and Florence. Imagine starting your journey beneath the medieval towers of one of Italy’s most vibrant food capitals and arriving, several days and dozens of landscapes later, in the Renaissance heart of the world.

The Via degli Dei, or “Way of the Gods,” is more than just a hiking trail. It’s a slow and scenic immersion into the soul of Italy—where every step connects you to ancient history, hidden villages, forested ridgelines, Roman roads, and the warm hospitality of the Apennines.

You walk not only through nature, but through time. The path leads you over mountains named after forgotten gods and through woods that once sheltered Roman legions. Along the way, you’ll find local trattorias serving handmade pasta, tiny chapels resting on hilltops, and breathtaking views that make you stop in your tracks.

It’s a journey that’s both deeply rooted in the past and wonderfully alive in the present. One that rewards curiosity, slowness, and a love for beautiful places just slightly off the radar.

And perhaps most of all, it’s a path that teaches you something simple and profound: the best way to reach Florence is on foot.

The Story of the Path

The Via degli Dei owes its name to the mountain peaks it traverses—Monte Adone, Monte Venere, Monte Luario—evoking myth and mystery. But this route’s roots go even deeper: it follows the traces of the Flaminia Militare, an ancient Roman road built in 187 BC to connect Bononia (Bologna) to Arretium (Arezzo) through the Apennines.

Long forgotten and later rediscovered by a group of Bologna hikers in the 1990s, the trail is now one of Italy’s most beloved long-distance walks. Hikers still cross stretches of Roman paving stones, a tangible reminder that this path has been walked for over two thousand years—by soldiers, traders, and now, travelers in search of something slower and more meaningful.

Highlights Along the Way

• Monte Adone – A dramatic peak and natural balcony with sweeping views over forest and rock. Its fossil-filled rock formations date back to a time when this entire area was underwater.
• Passo della Futa – This mountain pass is home to a striking German Military Cemetery, where more than 30,000 WWII soldiers are buried. It’s a sobering and beautiful place that invites quiet reflection.
• Fiesole – Just before descending into Florence, this hilltop town welcomes you with views that will take your breath away. Its Roman theater and elegant piazzas are a perfect final pause before the last steps.
• The Portico di San Luca – Leaving Bologna, you’ll pass through the longest portico in the world: nearly four kilometers of arches leading to the hilltop sanctuary of San Luca, a grand and inspiring send-off.
• Endless Forests and Hilltop Hamlets – Between start and finish, you’ll pass tiny villages, quiet monasteries, and deep forests that seem to stand outside of time.

When to Go

The best times to walk the Via degli Dei are spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October). You’ll enjoy cooler temperatures, blooming wildflowers or golden forests, and fewer crowds. In summer, the trail is walkable but can get hot—especially during the long climbs. In winter, some sections may be muddy or snowy, and a few accommodations might be closed.

What to Expect: Distance, Terrain, and Difficulty

• Distance: About 130 km
• Walking Days: 5 to 7
• Daily Distance: Between 16 and 28 km
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, with some steep ascents and long descents

The trail is well-marked and follows a mix of dirt paths, forest roads, and some paved sections. There are climbs—this is the Apennines, after all—but the beauty of the landscapes makes every step worth it. And if you're not sure about the full challenge? No problem: SloWays also offers a relaxed version of the itinerary, with shorter stages and more time to enjoy each stop.

Why Everyone Loves It

• It connects two iconic cities—Bologna and Florence—by foot, letting you truly experience the land between.
• It’s packed with history and beauty: Roman roads, medieval towns, ancient chapels, and panoramic ridgelines.
• It’s a walker’s dream: quiet trails, great food, welcoming locals, and scenery that changes every day.
• It balances adventure with comfort—thanks to luggage transport, charming accommodations, and incredible meals waiting at the end of each stage.

If you’re looking for a journey that feels both personal and epic, challenging yet comforting, the Via degli Dei might just be the path you didn’t know you were looking for.