
Via Romea Germanica Imperiale
The Via Romea Germanica Imperiale is a path of almost 600 km that crosses 4 regions and 65 municipalities from Trento to Arezzo. It winds along road routes used since ancient times by the Celtic, Etruscan and Roman populations, and today it is also possible to travel it on foot and by bicycle.
The Route has readapted the existing road system for walkers and cyclists; no new paths have been traced but parts of historical itineraries have been used.
Along the way there are exceptional natural and architectural emergencies, also Unesco heritage. Writers and artists traveled there to visit Italy (the Beautiful Country), during the grand tours.
The number of recommended stages is 23 but it can vary according to the needs of walkers and obviously you can also decide to make a section of it. The network of accommodation facilities allows you to plan your journey on your own. By bicycle, times are reduced and the route can also be done in a week.
The stages that cross the Prato area are:
Stage 18 - From Pistoia to Prato
Total length 27.6 km
Walking time 7.5 hours
Difference in height + 374 m
You go cross Montemurlo with its Fortress, the Villa del Barone, the village of Figline di Prato and its parish church, and then descend into the centre of Prato along the cycle path on the Bisenzio river.
Stage 19 - From Prato to Florence
Total length 30.3 km
Walking time 7 hours
Difference in height + 172 m
You leave the centre in the direction of Calenzano passing near the former Marchino cement factory, from where the view sweeps over the surrounding plain.
Info: www.viargimperiale.it