The mother of all Apennine roads.
The centuries-old Via Vandelli crosses the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, connecting Modena and Massa.
Duke Francesco III d’Este asked Domenico Vandelli to design a modern, easily maintainable road, which should only pass through land belonging to the Este dukedom.
The first project, dating to 1738, followed the same route as the old Via Bibulca; the legendary second project, dating to 1739, is the most innovative.
In 1750, the branch to Sassuolo was completed.
The road was the creation of an enlightened monarch and his architect. A huge work of human ingenuity, it was the first road designed in Europe to be served by infrastructures for boarding and lodging. Today a large part of it lies hidden under modern roads, or gently trails off into meadows and forests.
In recent years, the route has been restored, and has become more and more popular with walkers. It can be taken not only on foot but also by electric bike, either independently or accompanied by a local guide.
Nowadays, the Via Vandelli is undoubtedly an important part of the historical and natural heritage of the Apennines.
Long stretches of the old road can be recognised and are still in use to this day, even though some parts of the original route have been lost, or partly covered over by new roads. Nonetheless, the charm of the original old road is still evident in the many stretches where the dry-stone wall and original roadbed have been preserved, crossing through high-altitude grasslands and dense woodland full of beech trees and silver firs.
In 2022, the Via Vandelli participated in the “Places of the Heart” competition run by the FAI organisation (Italian Environmental Fund), receiving thousands of votes.
In June 2023, filming took place for a documentary to be made on the Via Vandelli.
We recommend visiting the website and social media pages dedicated to the Via Vandelli, so you can keep up to date on all the events taking place, ask advice from those who have already walked the route, and join the community!
