Emilia-Romagna Unveils “Open Trails: 2025 Special Edition” – A Romagna Culinary Journey
May 10-11, 2025: Emilia-Romagna takes center stage in the nationwide “Open Trails: 2025 Special Edition,” the leading event showcasing Italy’s walking routes. This year’s Emilia-Romagna program features three guided excursions along the Saint Francis Way from Rimini to La Verna, part of the Regional Circuit of 21 Pilgrimage Routes and Trails. A special encounter with the Clarisse nuns at the Monastery of Mary Magdalene in Sant’Agata Feltria (RN) is also scheduled for May 10th. Olympic champion Andrea Minguzzi, a former wrestler, will join the May 11th trek between the Balze di Verghereto and Monte Fumaiolo.
Building on last year’s success, this initiative promotes Italy’s diverse walking paths, resulting from a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, the lead Region Umbria, and participating regions including Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Marche, and Tuscany. This year’s event boasts patronage from the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces and Sport and Salute S.p.A., which enhances promotion by inviting Italian sports legends. Andrea Minguzzi, a 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medalist, will participate in the May 11th hike tracing Saint Francis’s footsteps.
The Emilia-Romagna excursions span the Saint Francis Way from Rimini to La Verna, offering three options guided by expert environmental and hiking guides. The guides provide insights into the landscape and valuable advice on preparation and equipment. Free registration is available via https://www.italia.it/it/viaggio-italiano/cammini-aperti, including detailed descriptions, route lengths (7-12 kilometers), elevation changes (under 300 meters), and difficulty levels (Tourist or Hiking, per CAI classification). A new feature for 2025 is the exclusive opening of hidden gems within Italy’s cultural and spiritual heritage, normally closed to the public.
Emilia-Romagna’s program highlights the spiritual experiences along the Saint Francis Way from Rimini to La Verna. On May 10th, participants of the Sant’Agata Feltria loop hike will meet the Clarisse nuns of the Mary Magdalene Monastery for a reflection on the significance of the Saint Francis Way.
Regional Tourism Assessor Roberta Frisoni comments, “The winning combination of ‘slow tourism’ and ‘active holidays’ finds its ultimate expression in our Regional Circuit of 21 Trails. Increasingly, Italian and international visitors explore our charming villages, ancient places of worship, and fascinating castles and historic residences along these paths, savoring our regional cuisine and immersing themselves in the authentic atmosphere of unspoiled locations.” She continues, “We enthusiastically participate in the second edition of Open Trails – an initiative aimed at attracting more people to hiking – with one of our most beautiful and evocative trails, this year among the 7 Jubilee Trails.”
Open Trails 2025 involves Emilia-Romagna, Umbria (lead region), Lazio, Marche, and Tuscany, highlighting the Saint Francis Ways and Trails, Lauretanian Ways and Trails, and the Saint Benedict Trail. Sustainability, accessibility, and spirituality are core values, supported by the Italian Alpine Club (CAI), Federazione Italiana per i Diritti delle Persone con Disabilità e Famiglie (FISH), FederTrek, and the National Network of Women on the Road. The program offers accessible routes and those focused on sustainability and inclusivity.
Specific Emilia-Romagna itineraries include:
* **May 10th:** A Valmarecchia loop hike (12 km, elevation change +290/-290 meters, difficulty T/E), showcasing the Saint Francis Way, with Paola Foddi of the National Network of Women on the Road.
* **May 10th:** A Sant’Agata Feltria loop hike (7.3 km, elevation change +270/-270 meters, difficulty T/E), emphasizing history, spirituality, and inclusion, including a visit to the Clarisse Monastery. CAI Cesena will enable physically disabled participants to experience part of the trail with Joelette wheelchairs.
* **May 11th:** A loop hike on the Saint Francis Way between Balze di Verghereto and Monte Fumaiolo (8 km, elevation change +300/-300 meters, difficulty T/E), featuring Olympic champion Andrea Minguzzi.
The Emilia-Romagna region collaborates with the Association I Cammini di Francesco in Emilia Romagna, local authorities, and CAI Cesena to promote these experiences. Partnerships with the Association I Cammini di Francesco in Emilia-Romagna, CAI, FederTrek, and FISH ensure accessible excursions.
Further details on the three featured trails are available on the “Open Trails: Special Edition 2025” website. The event is organized by the Umbria Region and Sviluppumbria S.p.A. Romagna a Tavola facilitates the dissemination of information. Contact the organizers for inquiries.