4th STAGE

Loiano – Madonna of the Stoves

20,5 km

DISTANCE

9h

term

1108/-1084

DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT

PATH

General information

A stage rich in sanctuaries and points of interest, where you begin to truly appreciate the Apennine landscape, among ridges, valleys, forests of oak, beech and centuries-old chestnut trees.

From Loiano, head towards the Astronomical Observatory, where it's worth wandering around among the various buildings and signs.

A descent leads towards Gragnano and its beautiful Church of Santa Maria Assunta, then arriving at Campeggio, passing through the village of Sumbilla on the way there and climbing back up along the Via Crucis route towards Monte Calvario.

Next comes the Sanctuary of Madonna dei Boschi, guarded with incredible passion by the friars, and shortly after that Monghidoro.

From here begins the descent towards the Savena Valley, passing through Piamaggio, home to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Pompei and two small but very interesting museums, up to the lake of Castel dell'Alpi.

A final short climb leads to the arrival at Madonna dei Fornelli.

What to see

Monghidoro

A town on the border between Tuscany and Emilia, Monghidoro owes its name to an ancient Gothic settlement from the 6th century, "Mons Gothorum." From the 13th to the 20th century, it was also known as Scaricalasino, as for centuries it served as a rest stop along the road between Bologna and Florence and a strategic point for controlling the Raticosa Pass, where the customs house between the Papal States and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany was located. After the severe damage suffered during the Second World War and the decline of the "Statale Futa" highway, Monghidoro has transformed into a renowned tourist destination. Today, it attracts visitors with its natural beauty, deep-rooted cultural traditions, and a rich calendar of festivals and events that enliven the town throughout the year.