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Tourist Guide and Nature Guide - Spiritual Tourism
 SANCTA JERUSALEM BONONIENSIS
The monumental complex of Santo Stefano is a truly unique place for the whole of Christianity and should not be missed. Now a Benedictine monastery, it has 300 years of pagan history behind it, as well as 1600 years of Christian history. The only copy in the world of the Constantine temple in Jerusalem already standing by 326 AD, the Basilica was in part constructed by Saint Petronius in the 5 th century in order to reproduce the places of the Passion of Christ in Bologna: the Holy Sepulchre, the Pillar of Flagellation, Saint Peter and the Cock, the Basin of Pilate, the Mount of Olives, etc. This is a route of extraordinary fascination and intimate communion with God.
 THE SANCTUARY OF SAN LUCA
According to tradition, the Greek pilgrim Theocles received from the canons of the church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople an image of the Virgin Mary painted by Luke the Evangelist, and promised to take it to the Mount of the Guard. When he reached Rome, he discovered that the Mount was to be found in Bologna and the canvas was taken there in 1160. As a tribute to the image, a church was built at the top of the hill and the same church has protected the city for a thousand years. With its 666 arches, the portico which leads from the centre of Bologna to the sanctuary is the longest in the world. It makes an enjoyable spiritual walk of meditation and purification.
ECCLESIASTICAL HERITAGE
For centuries, Bologna was an important Papal city, second only to Rome. It is only natural, therefore, that it should host a large number of important religious buildings. Inside-out Itinerary: a guided tour that concentrates on a single building, examining in depth its history, artwork and architectural features. Theme Itinerary: if the group has a special interest in a particular architectural style (Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, etc.) it is possible to visit 3 churches that present significant yet different aspects of the selected genre.
 ROOTS OF CHRISTIANITY ITINERARY
This tour concentrates on the most ancient crypts in Bologna (from the 3 rd to the 11 th century), buildings that bear witness to the birth of Christianity under an intolerant Ancient Rome.
SECRET CHAPELS ITINERARY
Most of these artistic gems are privately owned and closed to the public, requiring permission to visit. It is well worth the trouble;however, when the fabulous treasures these oratories contain are revealed.
 FRANCISCAN ABBEY OF MONTEVEGLIO
The abbey as it appears today is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, but its roots lie as far back as the 5 th century, as testified by the suggestive, crypt. The reconstruction effected by Mathilda of Canossa in 1000 A.D. is the building we see today in all its austere splendour. It is impossible to remain unaffected by its peaceful cloisters, beautiful scenery, and imposing towers. Don't miss this historical and in many ways mystical experience.
SPIRITUAL TRAILS IN EMILIA ROMAGNA
 Historians have given up trying to identify a single itinerary followed by the medieval pilgrims. Documents show us how the changing routes of the watercourses, political upheavals, the creation or abandoning of settlements and places of worship caused the itineraries to change over time with respect to the Roman era. The pilgrims came from all over Europe but the destination never changed: Rome, the Eternal City.
Today, with satisfying physical and spiritual effort, a part of these routes may be followed once more. Holy Mass may be celebrated in the places chosen, by special request.
LA VIA DEI ROMEI IN EMILIA ROMAGNA:
the most important stopping-places along the way taken by the travellers of old who came from the north-east by land, sea and across the Apennines headed towards the "Eternal City" of Rome.
LA VIA FRANCIGENA:
I will take you straight to the site dedicated to the Holy Road which took pilgrims from Parma to Rome, following the road from Canterbury.
SENTIERI DELLA LUCE:
three different spiritual routes: "Il Sentiero Matilde", "La Via Bibulca" and "La Via Romea Nonantolana"; once again accessible by foot and on bicycle, thanks to clear indications and signs.
THE WAY OF THE GODS:
an amazing mystical experience, from Piazza Maggiore in Bologna to Piazza della Signoria in Florence, across a totally unspoilt stretch of the Apennines with its forgotten villages and romantic churches.
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