Imperial Roman Road

The route has its roots in ancient paths traveled by the Celts, Etruscans, and Romans, and later by the Lombards, Franks, and Germanic pilgrims. For centuries, it served as an important transportation route for religious, military, and commercial purposes. Starting in the 18th century, it gradually became one of the main links between central Italy and Europe, following the Abetone-Brenner axis. Its route is also closely tied to the territories of Matilda of Canossa, a central figure in the medieval history of Emilia.

The route spans 550 km, divided into 23 stages, of which 160 km are in Emilia-Romagna, divided into 8 stages. The route enters the region at San Benedetto Po, home to the historic abbey founded by the Canossa family, and continues toward Concordia sulla Secchia, Sozzigalli, and Modena—a city that is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising the Cathedral, the Ghirlandina Tower, and Piazza Grande. From here, it climbs toward the Apennines, passing through Torre Maina, Pavullo nel Frignano, Montecreto, and Fiumalbo—one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages—before crossing the Tuscan border.

The landscape gradually changes along the route: from the banks of the Secchia and Scoltenna rivers to the Modena plain, from the hills dotted with castles and Romanesque parish churches to the forests and ridges of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. Along the route, you’ll also pass through regions rich in culinary and wine specialties, where PDO and PGI products are produced, such asTraditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, Parmigiano Reggiano, Modena cured meats, and alpine cheeses.

Today, the Via Romea Germanica Imperiale is fully accessible and marked with yellow arrows and the symbol of the globe with a cross featuring Saint Bartholomew. It can be traveled on foot or by mountain bike, features GPS tracks for all stages, and offers a network of accommodations dedicated to pilgrims and hikers. The route is recognized by the Ministry of Tourism and is included in the Catalog of Italian Religious Pilgrimage Routes.

Along its route, the Via Romea Germanica Imperiale connects to other important itineraries, including the Via della Lana e della Seta, the Via Romea Nonantolana, and the Romea Strata Nonantolana Longobarda, helping to create a network of historic trails that crosses the northern Apennines.

The Via Romea Germanica Imperiale is part of the Emilia-Romagna Circuit of Pilgrimage Routes and Trails.