Montelungo on the Via Francigena

Montelungo on the Via Francigena and its history

Montelungo is regarded as the location of the historic Sce Benedicte hospice on the Via Francigena. The Palazzo in Montelungo is an old historic building that local tradition associates with the route of the Via Francigena. A xenodochium administered by the Benedictine order has been documented in Montelungo since the early Middle Ages. The medieval xenodochium of Montelungo provided pilgrims and travelers on the road over the Passo della Cisa with accommodation and support.

Passo della Cisa, valley course and stage

The Passo della Cisa is a historic pass at an elevation of 1,041 meters and is located 5 kilometers from Montelungo. A small church dedicated to the Madonna della Guardia accompanies the pass. Today, the Passo della Cisa is designated as the “Gateway to the Via Francigena in Tuscany.” The Valle del Magriola descends from the Passo della Cisa to the Pontremoli district of Mignegno, passing through Montelungo and Succisa along the way. The elevation figure and the distance therefore represent two separate planning values for Montelungo and the pass area on site.

The Tuscan Via Francigena stage from the Passo della Cisa to Pontremoli is a 19.57-kilometer hiking route with a walking time of around five hours. Anyone wishing to walk this section in full can use the approximately five-hour walking time as a time frame and allow for additional breaks as well as their own pace.

Waterfalls and peaks around Montelungo

The Cascata della colombaia waterfall is located in the immediate vicinity of Montelungo. The Piscio di Pracchiola waterfall is also located around Montelungo. The peaks of Monte Pelata and Monte Valoria are likewise nearby.

Castles, churches and a historic organ in the region

The Castello del Piagnaro castle is located around Montelungo. The Chiesetta della Madonna dell'Orsaro church is also located around Montelungo. Further afield in the Montelungo region are the ruins of Rocca di Gusaliggio and Castello di Compiano. The Prioria di San Benedetto in Montelungo has a historic organ built by Francesco Bossi in 1858. The historic organ therefore dates from the middle of the nineteenth century.

Festivals and oligomineral waters in Montelungo

The Festa della Madonna della Cintura festival is celebrated in Montelungo on the third Sunday in August with an afternoon Mass and a procession through the parish streets. Another festival in Montelungo honors Saint Benedict in March. Montelungo is known for its oligomineral waters, which spring from the so-called Fonte della virtù. For personal travel planning, the third Sunday in August and the month of March represent two different time references.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pontremoli.