Sesta Godano: Churches, Mountain Villages and Monte Gottero

At Sesta Godano’s Town Hall Square, a combined cycling and walking path begins, leading to the medieval bridge that leads to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Built entirely of stone, this Romanesque-medieval bridge with three arches connects the church with the town. Santa Maria Assunta stands on the site of the former Pieve di Robiano and preserves 18th-century canvas paintings dedicated to San Rocco and the Madonna della Guardia.

River Paths and Monte Gottero

Between Sesta Godano and Brugnato lies a section of the Vara River designated by the park as particularly interesting for river sports. In Sesta Godano, the Parco di Montemarcello-Magra-Vara maintains paths, as well as cycling and walking paths near the river, within the limits of the funds available each year. They are part of a network spanning approximately 130 km in Val di Magra and Val di Vara. Monte Gottero is 1,639 m above sea level and has been included in the Natura 2000 network as a SIC area; a section of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri runs along its slopes.

Mountain Villages and Historical Traces

“Groppo e gli spaventapasseri” is a folk festival in Sesta Godano and its hamlets, where straw figures depict scenes from rural life. Mangia is characterized by covered passageways and vaulted spaces made of rounded stones from the nearby watercourse. Chiusola is a mountain village with narrow alleys, arches and stairways that developed around the Church of San Michele. Within its surrounding walls are two sculptures of notable historical and anthropological interest, as well as a portal with Lombard features. The remains of the Rocca at the Sito Archeologico Castello di Godano offer panoramic views.

Sanctuaries between History and Faith

Several sanctuaries reflect further historical and religious connections. The Santuario della Madonna della Penna later became a pilgrimage destination for people from Chiusola, Zeri and Val di Taro. The Santuario della Madonna della Penna in Orneto was probably originally a chapel that served travelers as a refuge and place of protection. In Casà stands a sanctuary dedicated to Nostra Signora della Neve; its feast is celebrated on 5 August. The Santuario di Nostra Signora della Fontana was built in 1450 following a reported miraculous apparition. It houses a depiction of the Madonna and Child attributed to the Flemish school.

Festivals Throughout the Year

The annual cycle also reveals different forms of local expression. Held in Sesta Godano for many years, the Palio d’Arco includes a historical-medieval costume procession, an archery competition and flag throwers. Since 2007, an organ concert has been held every year on 29 August, the feast day of the Madonna della Guardia, in the Church of San Lorenzo in Antessio. The annual Sagra del minestrone takes place on 14 August.

If you are looking for a hotel in Sesta Godano, base your choice of location on the main focus of your trip: ecclesiastical art and local history, paths and mountain landscapes, or regionally distinctive festivals.

More Destinations for Your Trip to Italy

Also discover Corvara, Ameglia, Casale, Monterosso Al Mare, Borghetto Di Vara, Carrodano, Mattarana and Cerreta.

To the higher-level travel overview: La Spezia.