ON 12 AND 13 OCTOBER 2024 THEY WILL BE CELEBRATED THROUGHOUT ITALY “NATIONAL WALKING DAY”A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO REDISCOVER THE PLEASURE OF SLOW MOVEMENT, IN HARMONY WITH THE ENVIRONMENT. WALKING IS NOT ONLY A HEALTHY PRACTICE FOR THE BODY AND MIND BUT ALSO A WAY TO ENHANCE NATURAL RESOURCES AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. FROM MOUNTAIN ROUTES TO HISTORICAL WALKS, THIS CELEBRATION INVITES EVERYONE TO IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE BEAUTY OF OUR LANDSCAPE. FROM THE DOLOMITES TO THE ANCIENT ROMAN ROADS TO THE SWEET UMBRIAN HILLS, LET’S DISCOVER TOGETHER SOME OF THE MOST FASCINATING ITINERARIES TO TAKE
The national day begins with excursions among the wonders of the Alps
The Dolomites region, in northern Italy, is a true natural jewel that deserves to be explored, especially on the occasion of National Walking Day. This mountainous area, declared a World Heritage Site byUNESCOextends across the provinces of Trento, Bolzano and Belluno and is famous for its spectacular peaks and evocative landscapes.
One of the most enchanting places to immerse yourself in this wonder is Val Badia, a valley nestled in the heart of the mountain range. Here, nature lovers can participate in guided excursions six times a week, conducted by industry experts, ready to reveal the secrets and beauties of this unique environment, for example the crystalline lakes.
During these walks, visitors can admire the alpine flora that characterizes the area, including rare species such as mountain pine and rhododendron, which dot the pastures and slopes.
Furthermore, the region offers opportunities for an active and regenerating holiday. The hiking buses make travel easier, allowing you to freely explore Alto Adige, a region rich in culture and traditions, where Italian and German influences intertwine.
The Dolomites, with their majestic limestone rock walls, not only offer unforgettable scenery, but also tell a fascinating geological story: these mountains were formed around 250 million years ago and their iconic profiles are the result of millennia of erosion and modeling natural.
Val d’Ega: trekking for everyone among legends and breathtaking views
The Val d’Ega, between the Latemar and Catinaccio Dolomites, offers 530 km of paths, perfect for both expert walkers and beginners. This valley, south of Bolzano, is famous for its hiking routes that cross unique panoramas.
Among the most interesting itineraries is the Re Laurin Tourwhich allows you to explore the kingdom of the legendary Gnome King, a mythological figure linked to local tradition. According to legend, the sovereign had a magnificent rose garden in the Catinaccio mountains, visible only at dawn and dusk. This natural phenomenon, known as “enrosadira”dyes the Dolomite peaks a bright red, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
Another unmissable route is the LATEMAR.ALPa simple excursion also suitable for families, with interactive stages and audio games to entertain children. For those looking for a more panoramic experience, this itinerary offers breathtaking aerial views across the entire Val di Fassa and Val d’Ega, with strategic observation points such as the famous Oberholz refuge.
This type of walk is not only an opportunity to appreciate the majesty of the Dolomites, but also to come into contact with local biodiversity, which includes animals such as ibex, chamois and marmots.
Emilia, where you can walk through history and food and wine tradition
Emilia, known for its cultural and gastronomic heritage, offers a unique walking experience through historical and natural routes. Walking in this region means immersing yourself in landscapes rich in history, walking along ancient roads like the Via Francigena or the Via degli Abati, which for centuries have been crossed by pilgrims and merchants. These historical itineraries, which connect cities such as Parma, Piacenza and Reggio Emilia, allow you to discover medieval castles, abbeys and natural parks of rare beauty.
Among the most evocative places to visit is the Hundred Lakes Parka protected area characterized by glacial lakes and dense beech forests. The park, located between Emilia Romagna and Tuscany, is a true paradise for lovers of flora and fauna, with numerous protected species, such as the Apennine wolf and the golden eagle. Continuing along the Porcini Mushroom Road, you enter Val Taro, famous for the collection of porcini mushrooms, a true gastronomic treasure of the region.
In autumn, the vineyards of the Piacentini Hills offer a spectacle of colour, while the paths lead to historic mills and unique geological formations, such as the Rocce Tribolate, ancient remains of underwater volcanoes. Excursions in Emilia are not just a journey into nature, but also a discovery of authentic flavours, such as Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma Ham, local products that represent Italian food and wine excellence.
Campello: a spiritual journey among the olive trees of Umbria
In the rolling Umbrian hills, between Assisi and Spoleto, lies Campello sul Clitunno (in the province of Perugia), a medieval village that offers a unique experience of walking and contemplation. Immersed in a landscape of olive trees and vineyards, this place is ideal for those who want to disconnect from the frenzy of everyday life and embrace a slower and more conscious pace.
The itineraries of Natural Slow Life they offer walks through the woods and ancient paths followed by monks and hermits, which allow visitors to live a profound experience of connection with nature.
Il natural bathing (bathing in nature) and the barefooting (barefoot walking) are just some of the activities proposed, together with guided meditation. Campello is also located near places of great spiritual interest, such as the Fonti del Clitunno, a small sacred lake venerated by the Romans and the Sacred Forest of Monteluco, a protected wooded area where, according to tradition, Saint Francis of Assisi found inspiration for his writings. Here, among the silences of nature and the murmur of the olive trees, visitors can discover the peace and tranquility that characterize the Umbrian countryside.
The Via Appia Antica: a journey into the heart of Roman history
For those who want to walk on Queen of the Roads the Via Appia Antica offers a fascinating experience between history and archaeology. This ancient Roman road, recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, connects Rome to Brindisi and along its route you can admire archaeological treasures of inestimable value. In Benevento, the ancient capital of the Samnites, you can admire numerous testimonies of its history, such as the Ponte Leproso, an ancient Roman structure that marked the entrance to the Via Appia.
Continuing along the road, you can visit the Montesarchio Castle and the Archaeological Museum of Sannio Caudinowhere the famous krater (a vase used to mix wine and water) which depicts the Rape of Europa, one of the masterpieces of ancient Greek art, is preserved.
The itinerary continues towards the medieval village of Sant’Agata de’ Goti, one of the most evocative locations in Campania. Along the Appia, before reaching Rome, you pass through places rich in history such as Capua and Santa Maria Capua Vetere, home to the second largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire after the Colosseum, and the famous Mithraeum, one of the temples dedicated to the god Best preserved miters in the world.
National Day: a journey to discover oneself and the territory
National Walking Day is not only an invitation to move, but also an opportunity to explore the beauty of our country, rediscovering places rich in history, culture and nature. Walking allows us to slow down, observe, listen and immerse ourselves completely in the environment around us. Whether you choose to face the challenges of the Dolomite mountains, get lost in the hills of Emilia, contemplate the tranquility of Umbria or follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans along the Appian Way, every step is an opportunity to enhance the Italian natural and cultural heritage, so as to create a deep bond with the land and with ourselves. This year, let’s put on our comfortable shoes and set off to discover a world just waiting to be explored.