Well: arrived in Pistoia …. and now where can we go?
From Pistoia you can leave for other routes. It is the city at the crossroads of more or less well-known paths. You are spoiled for choice.
VIA FRANCESCA DELLA SAMBUCA – Almost 100 km of ancient paths that connect Pistoia to Bologna: www.viafrancescadellasambuca.it. The route is almost parallel to the railway and the cycle route of the Sun and follows the Reno and Limentra rivers. Cross the Apennines at the Signorino pass. Already used in Etruscan times to unite the Tyrrhenian territories with the city of Spina on the Adriatic.
VIA ROMEA GERMANICA IMPERIALE – It is a road route used since ancient times. It is 560 km long and connects Trento to Arezzo. It is part of the system of “German ways” and is a European cultural route, as is the Via Francigena. Travel through 4 regions, an autonomous province and many cities full of history. It allows a journey through time and through places that have been the scene of 2000 years of history. www.viargimperiale.it
ROMEA STRATA NONANTOLANA LONGOBARDA – The Via Romea Nonantolana reaches Pistoia from the Brenner and Tarvisio Alpine passes and reaches the Po river and the Nonantola Abbey which, together with Cluny and Canterbury, was one of the most important and powerful Benedictine abbeys in Europe. From here you can choose the western route towards Modena and Castelnuovo, or opt for the eastern route, towards San Cesario and then join the Romea Strata route in Spilamberto. In Fanano, the left and right branches of the Panaro della Romea Nonantolana rejoin and continue towards Pistoia, to then connect to the Via Francigena in Fucecchio-San Miniato. www.romeastrata.org
THE PATH OF SAN BARTOLOMEO – A path of 100 km following parts of the life of San Bartolomeo, one of the twelve Apostles. Between Emilia and Tuscany from Fiumalbo to Pistoia. An itinerary immersed in the woods through places rich in natural beauty in search of silence. www.camminodisanbartolomeo.com