Montedivalli-Chiesa: Church Art, Panigacci and the Way to Genicciola

Montedivalli-Chiesa combines a long ecclesiastical history with regional cuisine and a landscape unfolding along the southern ridge of Monte Castellaro. Montedivalli is considered a gateway to the Val di Vara.

Pieve di Sant’Andrea: History and Sacred Art

The Pieve di Sant’Andrea is first documented in a deed dated 19 May 963. Its notable details include Romanesque sandstone columns with plant-shaped and anthropomorphic capitals. The altar also points to the more recent history of the church: it was built as part of the extensive restoration completed in 2011 and consecrated on 11 December 2011 by Bishop Giovanni Santucci.

The statues of the Madonna and Child and the Ecce Homo are kept in the Pieve di Sant’Andrea. They can be viewed on Sundays and obligatory feast days during Mass. A valuable statue of the Apostle Peter is also located there. The Pieve also serves to preserve and pass on the musical heritage of the ecclesiastical tradition.

Masses, Vigil and Feast Days

Every Sunday, Mass is held at the Pieve di Sant’Andrea at 09:00; on obligatory feast days, it also begins at 09:00. Every fourth Tuesday of the month, an Eucharistic vigil follows from 21:00 to 23:00. It begins with Mass and continues with Eucharistic adoration.

The ecclesiastical year also includes the Feast of Saint Peter on 29 June and the Feast of Saint Andrew on 30 November. In the present-day settlement of Chiesa, parish functions were celebrated in the new San Rocco Oratory, which effectively became the parish church.

San Rocco and Cultural Traces

The parish church of San Rocco in Montedivalli contains a memorial plaque for those who fell in the First World War. The church has been inaccessible for years; the paintings located there are being kept in the Pieve di Sant’Andrea until restoration. The 32nd edition of the San Rocco concert was announced for the forecourt of the San Rocco church in Piazza Eugenio Lenzi.

The Way to Genicciola

A path leads to Genicciola from the valley floor near the Pieve di Sant’Andrea in Montedivalli. This path is considered particularly scenic and offers views of the Vara River, which flows into the Magra farther downstream. The archaeological site of Genicciola lies on a steep slope at the edge of dense chestnut forests and comprises terraces built with dry-stone walls.

Panigacci and Culinary Tradition

Montedivalli is associated with the production of Panigaccio, a Slow Food Presidium and a typical dish of the Lunigiana culinary tradition. Panigaccio is an ancient, round, unleavened bread from Podenzana, baked on heated terracotta plates. It is served with oil and cheese, pesto or mushroom sauce; it can also be filled with cold cuts and cheese. In Podenzana, the Sagra del Panigaccio is held in August.

For further orientation in the area, you can also find Serralta.

For the higher-level travel overview: Podenzana.