Da Piazza a Piazza
The non-competitive hiking march that skirts the Bisenzio river without ever crossing it
About Da Piazza a Piazza
A forty-year challenge
Da Piazza a Piazza is one of the most beloved hiking events in the province of Prato, Tuscany. It is a non-competitive march of approximately 75 kilometers, spread over two days, which traverses the entire Bisenzio river valley without ever crossing it. The event is organized by the CAI Section Emilio Bertini of Prato, which has made it a permanent fixture in the spring calendar of the Municipality of Prato.
The golden rule: never cross the Bisenzio
The idea was born in 1985 from a group of enthusiasts who launched a challenge: start from one square and reach another square on the other side of the Bisenzio river, without ever crossing it, instead hiking up the entire valley. From that first walk, a tradition was born that, year after year, has led hundreds of hikers to traverse the trails of the Bisenzio Valley, from the city to the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.
The two-day route
The event takes place entirely on trails, with a challenging itinerary suitable for those with good physical training:
- Outward journey: approximately 40 kilometers from Prato to Montepiano, with a total elevation gain of over 2,400 meters.
- Return journey: approximately 35 kilometers from Montepiano back towards Prato, descending from the Upper Bisenzio Valley.
Along the route, numerous refreshment points and assistance stations are set up, manned by over a hundred volunteers and local associations (including Podistica Prato Nord, VAB, Misericordia, Mountain Rescue, and amateur radio operators). In Montepiano, walkers stop for the night: the communal dinner is one of the most heartfelt moments, a true space for sharing that reflects mountain culture.
Who it is for
The march is open to everyone, CAI members and non-members alike, provided they have a valid medical certificate for sports. You can participate in the entire two-day route or just one day. More than just a race, Da Piazza a Piazza is a celebration of hiking and the Prato community, capable of combining outdoor sports, the discovery of the Apennine landscape, and the associative spirit of the Italian Alpine Club.
Da Piazza a Piazza — edition 2026
The 2026 edition celebrated the forty years of the event (40th edition), organized as always by the CAI Section Emilio Bertini of Prato. The program confirmed the tried-and-tested formula: departure from Prato on Saturday and evening arrival in Montepiano, after about 40 kilometers of trails, with an overnight stay and communal dinner; the following day, return towards Prato with another 35 kilometers or so. Along the route, eleven refreshment and assistance points were set up, manned by over one hundred volunteers.
Programme Da Piazza a Piazza 2026
Day 1 — Saturday, May 9, 2026 (outward)
- Departure from Prato in the morning.
- Route of approximately 40.2 km on trails, with a positive elevation gain of +2400 m.
- Evening arrival in Montepiano, with communal dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2 — Sunday, May 10, 2026 (return)
- Descent from the Upper Bisenzio Valley towards Prato.
- Route of approximately 35 km, with a positive elevation gain of +1250 m.
- Return to Prato.
Along the entire route (approximately 75 km in total), 11 refreshment and assistance points were active, with the support of over 100 volunteers and the associations Podistica Prato Nord, VAB, Misericordia, Mountain Rescue, and amateur radio operators.
Highlights Da Piazza a Piazza 2026
The 40th anniversary edition; the historic 75 km route in the Bisenzio valley without ever crossing the river; the communal dinner in Montepiano; the participation of over 500 walkers supported by a hundred volunteers.
Prices Da Piazza a Piazza 2026
Practical information — Da Piazza a Piazza
Where and when
The event takes place every year in spring (May) and connects Prato to Montepiano, in the Bisenzio valley, in the province of Prato (Tuscany).
Registration
Registration is done online via the Endu platform (endu.net) and at the CAI Prato headquarters in Via Banchelli 11. Assistance is available at the office on Tuesdays from 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM. A non-competitive sports medical certificate with an exercise test (ECG) is mandatory.
How to get there
Prato is easily accessible by train (Prato Centrale station, on the Florence-Bologna line) and by car from the A11 motorway. Montepiano, in the Upper Bisenzio Valley, is connected to Prato by the SP325 road.
Contacts
CAI Section Emilio Bertini of Prato — Via Banchelli 11, 59100 Prato — Tel. +39 0574 22004 — [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Da Piazza a Piazza
Vallata del Bisenzio (da Prato a Montepiano)
Via Banchelli 11, 59100 Prato