FOIATONDA MADONNA DEI FORNELLI COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE

The Mater Dei Way is a trek dedicated to the Mariani Sanctuaries in the Bologna Apennines. The Way is a 140 km route divided into 6 stages on medium altitude mountain ridges connecting Bologna to 7 municipalities in the Bologna Apennines: Pianoro, Loiano, Monghidoro, San Benedetto Val di Sambro, Castiglione dei Pepoli, Camugnano, Grizzana Morandi and the Tuscan Municipality of Firenzuola. The Mater Dei Way is a pilgrimage of fatigue, adversities, encounters, imperfections and limits that frequently become points of departure to proceed with increasing confidence towards the highest aspiration of every man and woman: to become a better person. Between faith and legend, history and folklore, the trek allows walkers to discover the deep-seated bond between Bologna and its mountains and mountain communities, characterised by their authenticity and generous, simple hospitality, whose inhabitants have been caring for religious sites in the Apennines for centuries. The trail first inspires the eyes and then melts the hearts of the modern pilgrims who take up the challenge.