Via Degli Dei

Monte Adone is located in the heart of the middle Bolognese Apennines, situated in the southeastern part of the municipal territory of Sasso Marconi. This area is characterized by dry meadows and rare Mediterranean trees such as holm oak and manna ash. The summit of Monte Adone, rising to 654.44 meters above sea level, is accessible from the charming village of Brento, a hamlet of Monzuno, and located on its eastern slopes. There are several natural and panoramic attractions at the summit, including the enchanting Grotte delle Fate (Fairy Caves), Grotticella, and Cunicolo Pozzo (Pit Tunnel). Additionally, Monte Adone is the source of various streams that serve as tributaries of the Savena Rive

In the area, there are numerous traces of the area's pagan past. Local place names reference deities of the Roman religion, and the name of the village itself may derive from Mons Jovis (Mount of Jupiter), or from Mons Junonis (Mount of Juno). However, it is more likely that the name simply derives from the Latin "mons" meaning mountain, as in other towns like Monzone, Montione.

In the heart of the Apennines lies Monte Luario, climbing 1,140 meters above sea level. Several routes along the Via Degli Dei take in this climb, whose name evokes one of the most enigmatic figures in Roman mythology.

The term "Lua" originates from the root of the Latin verb "luo," meaning to dissolve. Thought to be among the first goddesses worshipped by the Romans, over time she may have become known as Ops – a more familiar goddess and wife of Saturn.

However, studies suggest that Roman soldiers would sacrifice the weapons of defeated enemies to Lua, in return for protection in future battles. This, along with the origin of her name, has led some to believe that she may have represented the transition between decay and birth.

According to local legend, this mountain roughly nine miles from Florence would echo with sounds from its caves whenever the wind passed through.

Because of this echo, the mountain has been called Sonario or Sonaio since ancient times, although it is more commonly known as Monte Asinario, due to a linguistic corruption where the letter "a" was added, and the "o" was transformed into "i".

As well as views back towards Florence and its Tuscan surrounds, this camino is made even more special by the Servite monastery that has sat on the hillside since 1245. Known as the hermitage of Monte Senario, it has been extended across the centuries but remains a step back into times of ancient worship.