Villafranca In Lunigiana: History, Landscape and Trails

Villafranca between the Magra Valley and vineyard terraces

Villafranca in Lunigiana lies in the central section of the Magra Valley and is characterised mainly by flat and hilly landscapes. Vineyards cover the sunniest and best-oriented terraces of Villafranca in Lunigiana. The Fiume Magra Nature Reserve in Lunigiana also includes territory belonging to the municipality of Villafranca in Lunigiana. Here, the landscape and the history of the town are closely connected themes that shape a journey through this part of Lunigiana.

In Villafranca’s historic centre, the town is characterised by the historic bridge and the remains of Castello del Malnido. Castello di Malnido dates back to the 12th century, was the residence of the Malaspina dello Spino Secco family and defended the trading village of Villafranca. Only the bell tower and a few other remains of the Church of San Niccolò have survived. The church stands beside the ruins of Castello di Malnido, at the confluence of the Bagnone and the Magra and also along the route of the Via Francigena.

Culture and historic sites

In the Parco Dantesco di Malnido, a work commemorates Dante. The work by artist Luciano Massari was created in 2006. The Museo Etnografico della Lunigiana offers another way of exploring the region’s past. It is housed in a complex of old communal mills documented since the 15th century. The exhibition is divided into 13 thematic sections and presents objects, household utensils, work tools, as well as magical-protective and religious objects from the rural culture of Lunigiana.

Filetto preserves a rectangular town layout with streets running at right angles to one another and central squares. The Borgo degli Ariberti is a late-medieval Renaissance extension of the older part of Filetto. Filetto is also home to the monastery of the Hospitallers of Saint John of God. It was founded in 1665 and had a hospital. In Groppofosco, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta was built between the 12th and 13th centuries along the route of the Via Francigena.

Trails, cycling route and practical experiences

The Via Francigena crosses Villafranca in Lunigiana and connects several of the area’s historic sites. For a different travel perspective, there is Route 20 in the Lunigiana Bike Area. It begins in Selva di Filetto opposite the Oratorio di San Genesio, is 16 kilometres long and has a moderate physical difficulty level.

The Museo Etnografico della Lunigiana also offers visitors outdoor routes for exploring villages, castles, mills and oil mills. In an adjoining workshop, schools and adults can learn to weave through hands-on practice at prepared looms.

Festivals and specialities of Lunigiana

The Fiera di San Genesio takes place every year in Selva di Filetto. It includes tastings of traditional Lunigiana specialities and dates back to the 17th century. Every year on 5 December, the tradition of the Falò di S. Niccolò is celebrated in Villafranca’s historic centre: a large blessed woodpile near the castle is burned.

The following town pages are also available for further travel planning: Pian di Molino, Caniparola, Arpiola-pianturcano, Comano, Montignoso, Colonnata, Podenzana, Malgrate.

Back to the main travel overview: Massa-Carrara.