The Spiritual Path of Marian Devotion is a suggestive circular itinerary that leads from Brisighella to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monticino. Traveling along ancient paths immersed in the greenery of the Parco della Vena del Gesso Romagnola, wayfarers can live an experience of meditation and discovery, between faith, history and breathtaking views.
We propose this journey on foot - that everyone can undertake - which takes place mainly on country roads and CAI paths in an area that has always been traveled by pilgrims, where the Marian cult finds testimonies in various places.
This path is not a simple trekking experience and the beauty of this place, the unspoiled nature, and the history make it ideal for meditation and to find peace with oneself.
It is recommended to bring an adequate amount of drinking water since there are no water sources along the route.
The journey begins in the picturesque medieval village of Brisighella, nestled on the slopes of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines among the hills of the Lamone Valley. Easily reachable by train or car (parking near the station), from here you take Viale G. Pascoli to climb up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monticino, immersed in a suggestive landscape of cypress trees.
This sacred place, built in the 18th century, represents an important destination of Marian devotion and has attracted pilgrims for centuries. Although it cannot be visited inside today, the Sanctuary still offers an atmosphere of profound spirituality and breathtaking landscapes, with a wide view that opens onto the surrounding valleys.
Once you reach it, you can admire the artistic classical-style façade, enriched by a large porch in front of the portal, side niches and pilasters with Corinthian capitals, which support a molded entablature. These elements give the Sanctuary a solemn and elegant appearance, perfectly integrated into the natural landscape that surrounds it.
The history of the Sanctuary has its roots in 1626, when a small terracotta tile depicting the Virgin with Child was placed at the entrance to the town. This sacred image, by an unknown artist, soon became an object of veneration, prompting the community to build a dedicated place of worship. In 1759, the work was solemnly transferred inside the Sanctuary, strengthening its religious significance.
The tradition of votive shrines, sometimes built as ex voto, so widespread in Romagna, is one of the oldest forms of devotion and testifies to the strong bond of the population with the Madonna. In Brisighella this devotion is still deeply felt today: every September, since 1662, the village celebrates the feast of the Madonna del Monticino, an event that combines religious celebrations and moments of community life.
Behind the Sanctuary, in a former abandoned quarry, is the Open-Air Museum of Monticino, an area of great geological, paleontological and naturalistic interest.
Leaving the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monticino behind us, the walk continues along the CAI 511 path, which winds through an enchanting landscape of woods and clearings, offering panoramic views of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola. This stretch of the path, immersed in uncontaminated nature, leads to the Rifugio del Parco Carnè, a green oasis of extraordinary beauty, populated by a rich variety of wildlife and centuries-old trees.
The Rifugio del Carnè is the ideal access point for exploring the Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park, one of the most evocative and characteristic places in the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines. Here you can take a regenerating break, enjoying the quiet and the numerous opportunities for hikers and nature lovers.
From inside the visitor center you will then arrive at the Church of Rontana, from the back of which, following an easy and short hiking trail, the “Sentiero degli Alpini” of 400 meters in the woods, you will arrive at the summit of Monte Rontana (484 m. above sea level), where there is a reinforced concrete cross, dated 1901 and restored in 1961 dedicated to Christ the Redeemer.
Nearby is also the archaeological site, with finds of medieval origin, of the Castle of Rontana.
The breathtaking view and the naturalistic landscape also make this part of the route an exciting journey for the soul.
To return to the station, you just need to retrace the route in reverse.
