Zignago between the Bronze Age and mountain trails

Zignago can be discovered both through its archaeological evidence and along marked trails into the mountain landscape. For you, exhibition content, historical traces and specific hiking routes come together in trip planning where cultural interests and physical activity stand side by side.

Archaeology and History in Pieve di Zignago

The permanent archaeological exhibition “Tiziano Mannoni” is divided into two sections. One is dedicated to Bronze Age finds from the excavations at the Castellari, while the other presents finds from the medieval village on Monte Zignago. A central element of the exhibition in Pieve di Zignago is a cast of a statue stele discovered in Novà in 1827.

The statue stele of Zignago is the westernmost statue stele of the historical group from Lunigiana. Its inscription, “Mezu Nemunius”, consists of Etruscan characters. The remains of the medieval village of Zignaculi are also visible on a hill above Pieve di Zignago. The village was destroyed by a fire in the 14th century.

At Monte Castellaro, settlement traces from the Bronze Age have been documented, including the remains of huts and traces of earthen floors made of terracotta.

The Santuario Nostra Signora del Dragnone

The Santuario Nostra Signora del Dragnone is a Marian shrine on Monte Dragnone in the village of Pieve di Zignago. It is considered an ancient Ligurian place of worship and is located in the forests of Monte Dragnone. It can be reached via an unpaved road connecting the village with the mountain.

The shrine was rebuilt in 1856 after ground subsidence caused considerable damage to the previous structure.

Hiking Around Monte Dragnone

The circular hiking route from Pieve di Zignago to Monte Dragnone is 6 km long, takes approximately 3 hours, climbs 378 metres in elevation, has a difficulty rating of E and is marked with trail signs 18/NO.

The starting point is to the left of the campanile of the parish church of San Pietro Apostolo. After leaving the village area, the route continues along a wide gravel road with white-and-red CAI markings.

A shorter option leads from Foce del Castellaro to Monte Castellaro. The trail is 0.5 km long, takes approximately 15 minutes and climbs 80 metres in elevation. It is rated T/E and branches off trail 18 in the direction of Pieve di Zignago. The different distances help you clearly distinguish between a longer circular hike and a short detour.

Further Trails for Different Interests

The high-altitude trail between Brugnato and Pieve di Zignago follows the ancient Via della Reigada. This historic connection linked Serò with Brugnato for centuries. The La Via dei Monti hiking trail includes a challenging high-altitude section between Pieve di Zignago and Colle Fiorito; at Colle Fiorito, it joins the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri.

The La Via dei Monti mountain bike route leads to Pieve di Zignago and then climbs from there to Località Castellaro.

More Places for Planning Your Trip to Italy

Tellaro, Montemarcello, Sorbolo, Vezzano Ligure, Rocchetta Di Vara, L'ago, Valeriano Lunense, Piano di Follo

To the higher-level travel overview: La Spezia.