Bologna-Rastignano

General information

This stage of the Via Mater Dei walk, which splits between the city and the hills, starts in the center of Bologna, in the picturesque Quadrilatero area, home to food stalls, traditional shops, and lively bars and taverns, opposite the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita.

Crossing the city center, passing Piazza Maggiore, Via d'Azeglio and Via Saragozza, you arrive at the Portico of San Luca, the longest in the world, which protects pilgrims ascending to the Basilica of the same name.

Here begins the crossing of the Bolognese Hills, gentle landscapes and lush vegetation that accompany hikers through several parks until the arrival of the first stage in Rastignano.