Pontremoli: Via Francigena, culture and regional destinations

For your travel planning, several specific topics in Pontremoli can be considered individually: routes on foot and by bike, buildings connected with history and faith, waterfalls and peaks, as well as two traditional specialities.

Hiking and cycling

Stage 23 of the Via Francigena from Pontremoli to Aulla begins at Piazza della Repubblica and is approximately 32.12 km long. For planning your hike, the approximate distance provides a clear point of reference for this section. The Ciclovia dei Castelli in Lunigiana symbolically begins in the historic centre of Pontremoli, near the medieval Ponte della Cresa bridge. Along the Ciclovia dei Castelli in Lunigiana, there are bicycle repair stations. The two routes represent different means of transport: here, the Via Francigena follows a hiking stage, while the Ciclovia dei Castelli in Lunigiana is intended for cycling.

Castles, towers and churches

Castello del Piagnaro is a castle in the vicinity of Pontremoli and serves as a stopping point for pilgrims travelling along the Via Francigena. Campanone is the central tower of the Cazzaguerra fortification, built in the 14th century, and is now a landmark of Pontremoli. Chiesa di San Pietro is one of the oldest churches in Pontremoli and a point of reference for pilgrims who travelled along the Via Francigena. The castle, fortification tower and church thus represent different historical points of reference in the area around Pontremoli.

Museum and sacred art

The Museo Diocesano houses numerous testimonies to art, history and faith from the upper Lunigiana. The Museo Diocesano exhibition is divided into a medieval section and a section on sacred art. Anyone wishing to consider art, history and faith together will find two clearly distinct exhibition sections within the same museum.

Destinations in the wider regional area

Castello di Madrignano is a castle in the wider regional area around Pontremoli. Castello di Compiano is also a castle in the wider regional area around Pontremoli. The two castles complement the nearby cultural destinations with places whose geographical connection is more broadly defined.

Waterfalls and peaks

Cascata della colombaia is a waterfall in the area around Pontremoli. Piscio di Pracchiola is also a waterfall in the area around Pontremoli. Monte Spiaggi is a peak in the area around Pontremoli. Monte Braiola is likewise a peak in the area around Pontremoli. Waterfalls and peaks represent different types of destinations: Cascata della colombaia and Piscio di Pracchiola represent watercourses, while Monte Spiaggi and Monte Braiola are described as peaks.

Traditional specialities

Testarolo is a traditional dish of Pontremoli cuisine and a Slow Food Presidium. Karsenta is a traditional bread from Pontremoli and received the municipal designation of origin De.C.O. (Denominazione Comunale di Origine). Thus, Pontremoli highlights both a traditional dish and a traditional bread, each with its own designation and recognition.

For further orientation, you can also view Montelungo, Comano, Bagnone and Zeri.

For the overarching travel overview: Massa-Carrara.