The dry stone walls were one of the first examples of human artifact, an attempt to change the environment to obtain a specific use: building a shelter or define a place. The ancient Greeks and Romans built dry stone walls because they were cheaper and easier to build.

During a trekking itinerary into the Tuscan countryside it’s very common to see one of these walls running tight and solid along a field or covered with musk in the thick vegetation of woods. Every time I think: “how is it possible that the ancients were able to fabricate such kind of walls almost unchanged over time?”.

If you are curious to know more about it this is the right time for you! Come in Sovicille, in the province of Siena, from 24th to 26th of April: the owner of the agritourism Il Ficareto will teach the art of building dry stone walls. The course, mainly based on practical training, will be a unique opportunity. Of course, you’ll have to work but the effort will certainly be rewarded by the satisfaction of carrying out this ancient tradition of dry stone wall making.

Why the name “Via degli Dei” (Gods’ itinerary)?

Because this route passes through places with evocative names: Monte Adonis, Monzuno (Mons Jovis, Mount of Jupiter), Mount Venere, Mount Lunario (Lua was the Roman goddess of Atonement).
From Fiesole to Felsina, the Etruscans walked this path for at least four centuries (VII-IV cent. BC) to expand their trade and control over the Po Valley. Later, the Romans built a real road to connect Arezzo and Rome through the Apennines. During the Middle Ages the travelers continued to use this route on foot or horseback, replacing the Roman paving with a simple and narrow mule track.
The “Via degli Dei” is now a major tourist proposal in the Apennines area, perfect for those who love hiking and mountain biking and want to enjoy stunning beautiful landscapes. From Bologna to Florence there are at least 4 stop-over walking, or 2 by bike, with a path not very challenging.

Are you a bicycle addict? Not far from Florence you can discover a territory composed by two geographic parts: the “Mugello” (with the villages of San Piero a Sieve, Barberino di Mugello, Scarperia, Borgo San Lorenzo, Vicchio and Dicomano) and “Alto Mugello” (with Firenzuola, Palazzuolo sul Senio and Marradi).
This big area, that lays down between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna, is the ideal destination for bikers of all levels: the association Senio Bike located in Palazzuolo sul Senio will give you the technical support and useful info about fascinating routes suitable for every kind of cyclist, from the novice to the more experienced. You have just to choose! Several mountain bike trails, a Down Hill track or a Freeride itinerary.

Why don’t you come to ride up here?