Marcia delle Terre Veleiate

A walk through nature and Roman archaeology

The Marcia delle Terre Veleiate is one of the most beloved non-competitive walks in the Piacenza Apennines. It takes place in the Municipality of Lugagnano Val d'Arda, in the province of Piacenza (Emilia-Romagna), starting and finishing in the charming square next to the archaeological area of Veleia Romana, in front of the church of Sant'Antonino. It is an event designed for everyone, from experienced walkers to families who want to spend a Sunday outdoors.

Three routes through beech and oak woods

The event offers three concentric routes, considered among the most beautiful in the entire province, all starting and ending in Veleia:

• 6 km — the simplest and shortest loop, with a modest elevation gain, ideal for families and beginners, heading towards the Rustigazzo area.
• 12 km — the intermediate route, which winds through the woods in the Monte Moria Provincial Park area.
• 18 km — the most challenging route, which goes towards Lake Casella and also covers part of the territory of the Municipality of Morfasso.

The paths alternate between open fields, offering breathtaking views of the valleys, and sections that wind through beech and oak woods, with minimal portions on asphalt, trails, and dirt tracks. Red and white markings guide participants along the entire route, while volunteers from the Gruppo Sportivo Terre Veleiate monitor the paths.

Veleia Romana, the heart of the march

The charm of this walk also lies in its starting point. Veleia was founded in the second half of the 2nd century BC, after the Roman conquest of the territory of the Ligures Veleiates tribe, from whom it takes its name. It became a municipality in the 1st century BC and was likely a center for managing the Apennine territory, located on a connecting axis between the Po Valley and the Ligurian coast. Today, its forum and ruins are one of the main points of interest in the province of Piacenza.

A solidarity event

The Marcia delle Terre Veleiate is not just about sport and nature: it is also an initiative with a strong community spirit. Along the routes, there are refreshment points with drinks and snacks, as well as water stations. In past editions, the proceeds have been donated to local volunteer organizations in the upper Val d'Arda area.