Walking along the 100 km of the Bologna Montana Art Trail does not just mean crossing a territory, but entering into a story that unfolds step by step. This easy-to-reach, guided outdoor walking holiday takes you to the heartof the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, a few kilometers from Bologna, where nature, art, and culture intertwine in surprising ways. Along the way, woods, ridges, and authentic villages become the backdrop for an open-air art gallery: 25 beautiful monumental works of land art
scattered along the trails make the Bom Art Trail the most innovative and unique of its kind, interacting with the landscape and inviting you to stop, observe, and reflect. These are not simple installations, but narrative stages that enrich the walking experience, transforming each day into an unexpected discovery. The route, divided into accessible stages, is designed for those who want an engaging but not extreme trekking holiday in Italy, where walking is slow and mindful. The presence of a local guide allows you to read the landscape, understand the meaning of the works you encounter, and capture the soul of these lively and welcoming places. A journey on foot that combines emotion, beauty, and connection, making the walk an integral part of the work itself.
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Program
First day
Loiano, surrounded by nature, art, and history
We find ourselves in Loiano in the morning, the beating heart of the Bologna Montana Art Trail, the starting and ending point of the walk. A circular route that immediately connects with nature: open fields, chestnut groves, and land art works that interact with the landscape. In Ca' di Laura, we encounter the first work of land art, Simbiosi, majestic at 7.5 meters tall. The trek continues in the Monte Bibele Archaeological Park, where Celtic and Etruscan civilizations intertwine with contemporary art. The works Cinghiale Celtico (Celtic Boar) and Libera-Mente (Free Mind) in the village of Quinzano and Holy-Bee - Love Bee Valley Idice make this first stage a journey between past and present, nature and creativity.
Second day
Between wetlands and Apennine villages
We begin by heading towards the Martina Park, a Special Area of Conservation, where you can encounter newts and other species. Here we encounter the work I Soffioni (The Dandelions), which seems to emerge from the very breath of the landscape. We then continue along quiet paths to the village of Poggioli di Pallerano, where the artwork Fauno awaits us , creating an almost mythological atmosphere. We then reach Monghidoro, welcomed by the imposing Aquila, one of the most recognizable installations along the route, a symbol of strength and vision. The last few kilometers lead us to the refuge, where Tritone welcomes us in a relaxing atmosphere.
Third day
From beech woods to grand vistas
From the refuge, we climb through a spectacular beech forest, one of the most evocative stretches of the Bologna Montana Art Trail. We reach Croce dell'Alpe, the highest point of the trail, which offers wide and surprising views. The descent leads us to the beautiful Mulino Mazzone, where nature and history intertwine. We continue towards Lake Castel dell'Alpi, where we encounter two more majestic symbolic works, then climb back up to the village of Malburo, where a surprising 10-meter iguana awaits us! The last few kilometers take us to the Casa delle Guardie, where we are welcomed by St. George and the Dragon.
Fourth day
In the footsteps of the Romans
Today's stage follows one of the most historic sections of the route, along the Flaminia Militare, an ancient Roman road built in 187 BC. The trail then continues through an enchanting, silent, and enveloping beech forest. Descending towards Montefredente, just before the village, you will encounter the Mufloni sculpture, perfectly integrated into the landscape. A few more kilometers lead to Molino di Giovannino, where the Gufo Giovannino sculpture observes walkers in a fairytale setting. The stage ends in the center of San Benedetto Val di Sambro, surrounded by history, nature, and art.
Fifth day
Memory, nature, and awareness
From San Benedetto Val di Sambro, we climb towards Le Croci, where we encounter the Colonne della Memoria(Columns of Memory), a place of silence and reflection. A scenic descent takes us to the village of Campaduno. We continue through the Rio Maore Park until we reach the Dea sculpture. Our arrival in Monzuno is marked by Mother Nature. In the Monzuno area, the Bologna Montana Art Trail works invite reflection and deep contact with the landscape, closing the circle of an experience that combines walking, art, and awareness. We descend to cross the Savena River and then climb up to the villageof Anconella, where the stage ends.
Sixth day
The circle closes
The last day starts with an uphill climb along the Passo del Dado, until you reach the Lupus Lujanes artwork, which offers one of the most beautiful views of the entire trail. The descent leads to Barbarolo, then continues to the picturesque Cascata delle Colore waterfall, nestled in the greenery. The last few kilometers climb towards the Loiano pine forest, where the works Istrice and Tela del Ragno accompany walkers to the grand finale of the Bologna Montana Art Trail: a gentle and symbolic return to the place where it all began, with the feeling of having experienced a journey that is much more than just a walk.
accommodation in double/triple/multiple rooms in farmhouses, mountain huts, and bed & breakfasts
luggage transport from one facility to another (1 item only, max. dimensions 55x40x20 cm)
breakfasts
official BOM ART TRAIL guide
a permanent art gallery surrounded by nature
health and baggage insurance.
BOM ART TRAIL credential and certificatetravel, meals not mentioned in the program, drinks, any travel by public transport, tourist tax, and anything not mentioned under "Includes."
Single room supplement: €100.
Farmhouses, mountain huts, and bed & breakfasts in Loiano, Monterenzio, Monghidoro, Firenzuola, San Benedetto val di Sambro, and Monzuno.
Get to Bologna station, which is well connected by high-speed and regional trains from all major Italian cities. From Bologna train station or bus station, there are suburban buses to Loiano, operated by TPER. Journey time: approximately 60–75 minutes. The bus stop is located near the town's main services and a short distance from the starting point of the walk.
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