THE ROMEA GERMANICA WAY IN THE HEART OF THE ROMAGNOLO APENNINE

It is part of the great paths of Europe that lead to Rome.Born as the “Melior Via” to join Germany to the eternal city, the Via Romea Germanica traces the journey faced by the Abbot Alberto of Stade in 1236 towards Rome and meticulously transcribed in his diary of Travel.

Arrival at Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole:
www.proloco-castrocaro.it
www.terradelsole.org

Situated in the gently rolling hills of the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines, the town is a wellknown spa resort since the late 1800s, with a long and prestigious story, dating back to the Medieval times that became the country seat of Romagna Toscana province during XV and XVI century. 

Dinner in a typical restaurant.
Overnight stay in a 3 stars hotel. 

STAGE 1
23 km. Altitude difference: 437m 

From Castrocaro Terme to Montepaolo:
Immersed into the nature, Montepaolo is an ideal peaceful place where stands the Montepaolo hermitage, one of the most important sanctuary of Emilia-Romagna, hosting the memory of Saint Antonio of Padova. 

Lovely village in the Apennines, nestled in the thriving valley crossed by the river Montone, territory of the precious white truffle. Known for the Roccaccia, fortification built by the Guidi Counts around the 12th century, and for the Saint Benedetta Bianchi Porro, a young Christian martyr, buried in Abbazzia di Sant’Andrea. 
Lunch in a bar-osteria in the main square.
Back to Castrocaro Terme and dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight.

STAGE 2
17 km. Altitude difference: 693m

Departure from Castrocaro. Arrival at Predappio Alta.
Medieval village that rises on a rocky spur.
Lunch in a surprising local wine cellar.

Arrival at Predappio
www.comune.predappio.fc.it
Native town of Benito Mussolini, Predappio is an original architectural testimony of the twenty years, period of Rationnalism art style.
Surrounded by prestigious vineyards, from which an excellent Sangiovese doc, one of the most appreciated and widespread wine in Romagna.
Dinner at Predappio and overnight in B&B.

STAGE 3
19km. Altitude difference: 660m

Departure from Predappio.
Beautiful panoramic view passing by the Rocca delle Caminate.
www.roccadellecaminate.com

Former summer residence of Benito Mussolini and currently, a high standard university training centre.
Lunch bag along the way.
Arrival at Cusercoli. The small old village rises on a limestone rock, domitated by the mighty Conti Guidi medieval castle.
Dinner and overnight at Cusercoli.

STAGE 4
20 km. Altitude difference: 853m.

Departure from Cusercoli.
Stop to Galeata.
www.museocivicomambrini.it
Known for the Mevaniola roman town archeological area near Pianetto town and its Mambrini museum, witness of the ancient history of Galeata. Sant’Ellero Abbey is a must-visit, seat of a thousand-year old place of worship related to the relics of the saint.

Lunch at Galeata.
Arrival at Santa Sofia.
www.visitsantasofia.it
Santa Sofia is a borderland between Romagna and Tuscany, surrounded by a magnificient nature. Place of romagnolo Apennine contemporary art with national and international artifacts displayed in the environment.
Dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight in Santa Sofia.

STAGE 5
24 km. Altitude difference: 1055m.

Departure from Santa Sofia.
Lunch along the way.
Arrival at Bagno di Romagna.
www.bagnodiromagnaturismo.it
Bagno di Romagna has always been famous for the natural thermal waters and its forest heritage. It includes in its own territory the Casentinesi Forests National Park, unic for gorgeous sceneries and ideal destination for hiking lovers.
Dinner and overnight.