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.