Montelungo: Via Francigena, History and Mountain Landscape

Montelungo between the Pass and Cultural Landscape

Montelungo combines the history of the Via Francigena with a varied landscape in the wider area around Passo della Cisa. The Valle del Magriola descends from the pass to the Pontremoli district of Mignegno, passing through Montelungo and Succisa along the way. Passo della Cisa lies at an elevation of 1,041 metres and is five kilometres from Montelungo. Today, it is designated as the “Gateway of the Via Francigena in Tuscany”; a small church dedicated to Madonna della Guardia is also located at the pass.

For your travel planning, this connection between the valley, the pass and the historic route offers various points of interest. The Tuscan Via Francigena stage from Passo della Cisa to Pontremoli is a 19.57-kilometre hiking route with a walking time of approximately five hours. The precise route length and approximate walking time give you a clear benchmark if you would like to combine your stay with a longer hike.

Mountains and Waterfalls in the Surrounding Area

The peaks of Monte Pelata and Monte Valoria are located in the immediate vicinity of Montelungo. Both names represent the mountainous character of the town, while several waterfalls add further aspects to the landscape. The Cascata della colombaia is located nearby, and the Piscio di Pracchiola waterfall is also in the area around Montelungo. Montelungo is also known for oligomineral waters that spring from the so-called Fonte della virtù.

Traces of the Via Francigena

The town’s historical significance is evident not only at the pass. Montelungo is considered the site of the historic Sce Benedicte hospice on the Via Francigena. A xenodochium administered by the Benedictine order has been documented in Montelungo since the early Middle Ages. The medieval xenodochium provided pilgrims and travellers on the road over Passo della Cisa with accommodation and assistance.

The Palazzo in Montelungo is also part of this historical context. It is an old historic building that local tradition connects with the route of the Via Francigena. The Prioria di San Benedetto houses a historic organ built by Francesco Bossi in 1858. Thus, Montelungo brings together religious architectural history, pilgrimage traditions and musical heritage within a closely connected thematic setting.

Castles, Ruins and Sacred Sites

The Castello del Piagnaro is located in the area around Montelungo. The wider regional area contains the ruins of Rocca di Gusaliggio and Castello di Compiano. Another connection to the religious landscape is the Chiesetta della Madonna dell'Orsaro, which is located in the area around Montelungo. This allows you to combine historic buildings in the immediate vicinity with destinations in the wider regional area, without equating their different geographical relationships.

Festivals Throughout the Year

The Festa della Madonna della Cintura is celebrated in Montelungo on the third Sunday in August with an afternoon Mass and a procession through the parish streets. In addition, a festival in honour of Saint Benedict is documented in Montelungo for the month of March. These two dates complement the permanently preserved buildings and landscape destinations with religious traditions taking place at different times of the year.

For the general travel overview: Pontremoli.