Along the wine route like the ancient 'brentatori':a new path in Bologna

The Via dei Brentatori is reborn through five municipalities in the province of Bologna:a 44 kilometer route accessible to almost everyone.The first stage, from Bologna to Zola Predosa, is about twenty kilometres

BOLOGNA – A new path (on foot with a backpack) from the city to the hill in three stages, for a total of 44 kilometers within reach of almost everyone.From families to more experienced walkers.To do it all (you can already leave) it will take a weekend, more or less, but you can also stop for example at the end of the first stage, from Bologna to Zola Predosa, in any case about twenty kilometres.It's about the new 'slow' tourism initiative of the Bolognese territory, reborn for the occasion the via dei Brentatori along five municipalities:Casalecchio di Reno, Monte San Pietro and Valsamoggia (Bazzano), as well as Bologna and Zola.

THE BRENTATORS

But who were the 'Brentatori'? The term means carriers of 'brente', or wooden containers, carried on the shoulder, in which the wine was preserved.The Brentators were the official wine transporters, and were responsible for the quality and trade of the wine, for which they set the price.The birth of the brentatori society dates back to 1250 (with the aim of combating smuggling), although it was only recognized in 1407.It is worth underlining the fact that the brentatori, in case of necessity, transformed themselves into firefighters and rushed in carrying water (strictly on their backs inside the brente).The historic 'via dei Brentatori' is precisely the route they followed when transporting wine.

ROUTE FOR EVERYONE, WITH NOTHING DIFFICULT CLIMBS

Now, thanks to the work of local authorities together with the association Succede solo a Bologna, the wine transport route linked to the ancient trade guild, dating back to 1250, is therefore rediscovered.To follow the path, characterized by gentle, undemanding climbs, as traced and reported by the CAI with ad hoc signs bearing the logo of the Via dei Brentatori, was also created a map guide (1:25,000 scale) with lots of useful information:route with altimetric indications, kilometers to travel for each stage, monuments and points of interest to admire along the way, suggestions on facilities for eating and sleeping.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Departure and arrival, in all this, are not random: the first historic seat of the Brentatori was located in via de' Pignattari, next to the Basilica of San Petronio, while it is the Rocca di Bazzano that now links its name to the Compagnia dell'Arte dei Brentatori, which has its current headquarters precisely in Valsamoggia.The beauties that you will encounter along the way, therefore, are Piazza Maggiore, the sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca, the Chiusa park, the Tizzano hermitage, the Zola Predosa Unesco plaster casts, the village of Oliveto, the Monteveglio abbey and, indeed, the Bazzano fortress.

THE RETURN CAN BE DONE BY BUS

To enhance the history of the Brentatori, the project also involves the involvement of farmhouses, bed and breakfasts, hotels and restaurants in the area.The first stage, from Bologna, therefore leads to Zola, the second to the Monteveglio abbey and the last stage to Bazzano, from where they are available trains and buses for the return.And the 'stamp' of the new path also arrives.In fact, to keep track of all the stages crossed, the following will also be carried out credentials of the Via dei Brentatori, i.e. particular travel documents in which collect stamps in the accredited structures which will become "a special reminder of the journey undertaken", reported the mayors and councilors gathered today in a press conference in the metropolitan city.