Montereggio: fortified village with a bookseller heritage

Montereggio between fortress history and book culture

Montereggio is an ancient fortified village in a strategic location. From here, the route linking the Magra Valley, the Via Francigena, and the Ligurian Sea via the Valico dei Casoni was controlled. The feudal territory of Montereggio was established in 1573. The pass, valley, historic route, and sea are therefore geographical reference points in the history of this place.

Church, bell tower, and medieval portal

The church of Santo Apollinare and San Francesco Fogola stands in the center of the village. Its bell tower is now attached to the half-front façade. The tower also served a defensive purpose and was connected to other towers that no longer exist in the area today. The tower’s current architectural form and its former function belong to different periods of its history.

At the entrance to the village, a medieval stone portal stands in Piazza Arnoldi. The entrance is thus identified by a specific square and a building dated to the medieval period.

Palazzo dei Marchesi Malaspina and the fountain square

The Palazzo dei Marchesi Malaspina is a feudal residence. Two towers from an older, partially preserved castle are incorporated into its construction. The residence therefore preserves parts of an earlier castle complex within its structure.

A stone fountain dating from 1856 stands in Piazza Mondadori, which is also known as Piazza della Fontana. At the time, the fountain was the only water source for the residents of Montereggio. The square’s alternative name refers directly to this structure.

The book town of Montereggio

Montereggio is regarded as Italy’s only “book town.” The history of itinerant booksellers dates back to the Renaissance. Since the 19th century, itinerant booksellers from Montereggio brought books to cities in central and northern Italy. The book trade is therefore part of a history whose beginnings date back to the Renaissance and whose routes later led to cities in central and northern Italy.

A monument to the itinerant bookseller was erected in Montereggio in 1959.

Francesco Fogolla and the Vatican Museums

The church of Sant’Apollinare houses relics of the Chinese martyr bishop Francesco Fogolla, as well as the baptismal font at which he was baptized. Both mementos are connected with Francesco Fogolla in the same church.

Montereggio’s strategic importance is attested by its depiction in the Galleria delle Carte Geografiche of the Vatican Museums.

Spring tradition and ties to the landscape

In Montereggio, Cantamaggio is a tradition featuring folk songs, spring colors, and community. Its musical, colorful, and communal character is equally part of this custom.

The Cammino delle Maestà is regarded as an ideal link between two important natural areas in the territory of ancient Lunezia. This connection to the landscape expands Montereggio’s historical themes to include a link between two natural areas.

Further destinations: Gavedo

For the overview of destinations: Mulazzo.