The Cammino di Sant'Antonio

A fundamental stage between history, nature and spirituality in the heart of the Vena del Gesso

The Cammino di Sant'Antonio in Tossignano

The Cammino di Sant'Antonio is one of the most interesting pilgrimage routes rich in history and spirituality in Italy. Tossignano represents an important stage of this route: here the path crosses the village and overlooks the Vena del Gesso Romagnola, offering pilgrims hospitality, refreshment and one of the most scenically suggestive stretches of the entire itinerary.

🚶 The journey as a metaphor for life

The pilgrimage "on foot" offers contemporary man the possibility of reappropriating time with slower rhythms, of listening to the calls of the soul, of enjoying spaces and ways of living in greater simplicity and freedom. Walking alongside the figure of the Saint is giving yourself a profound and unforgettable human and spiritual experience.

📍 Go to section:

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Organizers
🗺️
The Stage
🛏️
Hostel
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The Circle
ℹ️
Useful Info
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Who organizes the walk

The Cammino di Sant'Antonio is conceived and promoted by the
Friars Minor Conventual of the Basilica of Sant'Antonio of Padua
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Official route and stages

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Pilgrim's credentials

ℹ️

Route description and services

📚 Official information and resources:

🌐 Official website of the Cammino di Sant'Antonio
All information on the complete route 📍 Complete list of stages
From Padua to La Verna, all the stages of the walk 🏞️ Emilia-Romagna Walks Portal
Detailed sheet on the Emilia-Romagna section
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The stage that passes through Tossignano

The walk crosses Tossignano in the stage that connects the village with the Carnè Natural Park, along the paths of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola.

Stage 12: Tossignano → Carnè Natural Park

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15.5 km
Length
⏱️
5-6 hours
Average time
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+520 m
Positive elevation gain
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-460 m
Negative elevation gain
The stage follows a panoramic ridge that offers unique views of the Santerno valley and the gypsum formations. The route alternates climbs and descents on paths and cart tracks, with some short stretches on asphalt near inhabited centers and road accesses.
  • ✓ Difficulty: Hiking (E)
  • ✓ Terrain: Paths, cart tracks and short paved sections
  • ✓ Environment: Protected area of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola
  • ✓ Points of interest: Monte Penzola, views of the valley, caves and sinkholes
The path crosses sparsely populated areas. There are no fountains along the route: bring enough water. Some sections are exposed and can be difficult in bad weather. Presence of CAI signage and the Way.

🗺️ Interactive map of the stage

Explore the route: Use the interactive map to view the track, points of interest and elevation changes of the stage.

Open map fullscreen

📄 Official description

Consult the complete sheet on the Way website:

Stage 12 on the official website →

📝 Detailed description

Complete guide with passages, variants and points of attention:

Detailed description →

Detours, what to avoid and weather

Scenic detours

In the Vena del Gesso area there are hiking variants that allow you to reach further panoramic points or CAI paths of the Park. These detours are recommended only for those with good experience of walking in hills/mountains.

Before choosing variants not present in the official track it is good to check:
  • any landslides or temporary closures of paths;
  • additional travel times;
  • the level of difficulty compared to the base route.

What to avoid

  • walking the most exposed sections in case of bad weather, thunderstorms or strong winds;
  • going off the track in areas forbidden by the Park or not marked;
  • [object Object]

Before setting off, always check the updated weather situation:

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The Pilgrim's Hostel

Ostello dei Gessi - Exterior

Ostello dei Gessi - Tossignano

In collaboration with the Municipality of Borgo Tossignano, the Pro Loco supports a hostel dedicated to pilgrims of the Cammino di Sant'Antonio. It is the reference point for those who choose Tossignano as a stage or as a starting/arrival point on the walk.

The hostel offers:

  • ✓ Beds in welcoming dormitories
  • ✓ Toilets and showers
  • ✓ Common areas for rest and meeting between pilgrims
  • ✓ Possibility to affix the official stamp on the credential
  • ✓ Information on stages, variants and services in the area

📍 How to Book the Hostel

To book an overnight stay at the municipal hostel:

Sheet and reservations on Parks.it

Or contact the Pro Loco Tossignano:

Contacts

🗺️ Where is the Hostel

Via Puccini, 11 - Tossignano (BO) • The hostel is located in the center of the village, easily reachable on foot from the route of the Way.
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⭐ The Circle - The Pilgrim's Reference Point

Bar Il Circolo

Bar "Il Circolo"

Il Circolo is the heart of hospitality in Tossignano for pilgrims of the Cammino di Sant'Antonio and for the local community. Located in the center of the village, it is the ideal place to start the day or relax after a long walk.

🌅 What we offer

  • ☕ Breakfast for pilgrims
  • ☕ Coffee and hot drinks
  • 🍦 Ice creams
  • 🥐 Baked goods
  • 🍹 Fresh drinks

🕒 Opening Hours

Monday 8:00-11:00 • 20:30-22:00
Tuesday 8:00-11:00 • 20:30-22:00
Wednesday 8:00-11:00 • 20:30-22:00
Thursday CLOSED
Friday 8:00-11:00 • 20:30-22:00
Saturday 8:00-11:00 • 17:00-19:00 • 21:00-22:00
Sunday 8:00-11:00 • 16:00-19:00 • 21:00-23:00

📍 Where to find us

Central Square, Tossignano, in the same building as the Ostello Dei Gessi

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Useful information for pilgrims

🗺️ Maps and Routes

Maps of the walk and indications on local variants are available at the hostel and the Pro Loco.

⛑️ Emergency Services

In the lower part of the village (in Borgo) there are a pharmacy and basic health services.

🛒 Supplies

If you organize with the Pro Loco well in advance, we can do some shopping for you while you are walking

Want more information?

Contact the Pro Loco to best organize your stop in Tossignano along the Cammino di Sant'Antonio.

Contact Us