The ‘Trail of the Celts and Ligurians’ is an extraordinary journey of 222 kilometres through three regions of northern Italy: Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna and Liguria. With ten stages starting in Milan and ending in Sestri Levante, this itinerary offers travellers the opportunity to immerse themselves in one of Italy‘s richest areas of history and culture, exploring breathtaking landscapes that recount the millenary legacy of the Celts and Ligurians.
The Celts and Ligurians, ancient peoples who inhabited these lands, left a deep imprint on the cultural and historical fabric of the region. The Celts, known for their warrior skills and craftsmanship, dominated northern Italy during the Iron Age. Bearers of a vibrant and complex culture, the Celts introduced new metalworking techniques and profoundly influenced the social and political structure of the local populations.
The Ligurians, for their part, were an enigmatic and enterprising people, who prospered along the Ligurian coast and in the inland valleys. Skilled navigators, they maintained commercial and cultural relations with Mediterranean civilisations, from the Phoenicians to the Romans, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the region.
Their legacy is reflected not only in local place names but also in the agricultural and cultural traditions that can still be observed in Liguria today.
The walk begins in the heart of Milan, in front of the magnificent Duomo, symbol of the city. From here, the path winds through the Darsena, once the main port of the Navigli, and then follows the course of the Naviglio Pavese. This initial section is a journey through time, an immersion in the ancient network of canals that once connected Milan with the Ticino and Po rivers.
After leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind, the trail enters the quiet Lombardy countryside, following the Ticino river to its confluence with the Po. This region is characterised by a rich variety of landscapes, from poplar groves stretching as far as the eye can see to cultivated fields reflecting the ancient agricultural vocation of the Po Valley.
Once past the Po, the route enters Oltrepò Pavese, a land of rolling hills covered with vineyards and ancient villages. This area is famous for its wine production, with wines such as Bonarda and Barbera representing the essence of the territory. The route passes through small communities where time seems to stand still, offering travellers an authentic glimpse of rural life in Lombardy.
As you approach the Apennines, the landscape becomes increasingly varied and rugged. The rolling hills of the Oltrepò give way to the rocky ridges of Pietra Corva and Sassi Neri, which offer breathtaking views of the valleys below. These places, steeped in ancient legends, are a challenge for walkers, but they repay with the wild and unspoilt beauty of nature.
Bobbio, located in the Trebbia Valley, is one of the most fascinating stops along the route. This ancient village, known for its Ponte Gobbo bridge and the Abbey of San Colombano, was an important religious and cultural centre during the Middle Ages. Its strategic position, at the crossroads of ancient communication routes, made it a meeting place for different cultures, and today it is an ideal refreshment point for those travelling along the trail.
From the village of Bobbio, the route continues towards the Val Nure, an Apennine valley distinguished by its rugged beauty. Here, the path becomes more challenging, with steep climbs leading up to the peaks surrounding the valley. The surrounding environment is characterised by beech and chestnut forests, interrupted only by small rural settlements where the old stone houses can still be seen.
The Val d‘Aveto, with its alpine scenery, represents one of the most evocative stages of the route. This valley, nestled between mountains, is a paradise for nature lovers. Mount Penna, which dominates the valley, is a sacred mountain for the Ligurian Celts, who consecrated it to the god Pen. Climbing its slopes, it is possible to perceive the ancient spiritual bond that united these people to the surrounding nature.
After passing the Bocco pass, the path descends into Val Graveglia, another valley rich in history and natural beauty. This area is characterised by a varied landscape, with forests, vineyards and olive groves alternating with ancient villages. Here, the influence of the Mediterranean climate can be felt, with vegetation more typical of the Ligurian coast.
The last leg of the journey leads to Sestri Levante, a pearl of the Ligurian Riviera. After days of walking through mountains and valleys, the sight of the sea is an extraordinary reward. Sestri Levante, with its two bays, the Baia del Silenzio and the Baia delle Favole, is a magical place where past and present blend in perfect harmony. The old colourful houses overlooking the sea tell stories of fishermen and sailors, while the beaches invite rest and contemplation.
