The Water Trail: from Ponte della Venturina to Pracchia
The itinerary follows Trail 169, touching on the provinces of Pistoia and Bologna and crossing in particular the picturesque territory of Sambuca Pistoiese. Along the way, skirt the banks of the Reno River and the historic Porrettana Railway, on an itinerary that connects Ponte della Venturina to Pracchia in dialogue with the landscapes of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.
Starting from the Ponte della Venturina railway station, the northernmost point of the route, take a short walk to reach the State Road and the bridge over the Reno River, marking the border between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. From here begins Trail 169 that penetrates the territory of the Municipality of Sambuca Pistoiese, touching on such fascinating localities as Pavana (known for having hosted singer-songwriter Francesco Guccini), Campeda, Pidercoli, Posola, Canal di Sasso, Lagacci—or “The Village of Proverbs”—and Frassignoni. The path ends in Pracchia, from where you can opt to comfortably return by train to your starting point. In Posola and Canal di Sasso, it is also possible to stay overnight by booking private accommodation.
The path was recently restored thanks to the “I Cammini dell’Acqua” (Water Trails) call to tender, promoted by Publiacqua S.p.A. as part of a project of the Associazione Campeda Futura, which made it possible to reopen the path and exalt its ancient springs. In fact, water accompanies the entire itinerary, which begins and ends next to the Reno River. Along the way, there is no shortage of small springs bubbling up among the woods, a testament to the special conformation of the land.
The route largely coincides with the David’s Trail, extending from Molino del Pallone to Setteponti, enriched by numerous panels that invite reflection on nature and human presence, transforming the walk into a true philosophical and literary itinerary, also open thanks to the volunteers of Club Alpino Italiano of Bologna. In addition are the signs made by Campeda Futura, illustrating the natural and historical aspects of the places traversed.
The entire itinerary is part of the Path of Peace from Sant’Anna di Stazzema to Monte Sole (BO), the first secular walk of remembrance promoted, conceived and coordinated by Liberation Route Italy and recognized by the Council of Europe.