Lonnano – Via di Francesco, Church and Local History

Lonnano combines a clearly defined stage of the Via di Francesco with a multifaceted local history and tangible evidence of its church, art, and culture of remembrance. The village is a stopping point on the 4th stage of the Via di Francesco from Stia to Camaldoli. At the same time, Lonnano lies on the road from Pratovecchio to the Eremo di Camaldoli. When you explore this part of Tuscany, you will therefore encounter both a distinctive route and historical and culinary points of interest here.

Via di Francesco: different routes

On the Via di Francesco near Lonnano, there is an official route variant via Rifugio Asqua and an alternative route to the Eremo di Camaldoli. For your travel planning, it is worth regarding these details as two different options: the first is expressly described as an official route variant, while the second is described as an alternative route. This keeps both Rifugio Asqua and the Eremo di Camaldoli recognizable as distinct reference points along the route.

In addition, a paved alternative route through the national park passes through Lonnano and Casalino and reconnects with the route at Valagnesi. This route therefore constitutes a separately described course and should not automatically be equated with the Via di Francesco stage or the alternative route to the Eremo di Camaldoli. This gives you a place where several specific route descriptions come together without becoming one single shared route.

Church, art, and memorials

The first historical mention of Lonnano dates back to 1007. Another established point of reference in the village’s history is the Church of Saints Vito and Modesto, which dates from the 12th century. This church houses Giuseppe Gori’s painting “San Domenico e Santa Caterina inginocchiati” from 1684. The artist’s name, the complete title of the painting, and the year it was created give the church interior a specific art-historical dimension.

The history of the village is also commemorated by two other memorials with different focuses. The memorial to the reconstruction of the church of Lonnano consists of a stone pedestal with two small rectangular marble plaques and a finely crafted iron cross. The memorial cross was reconstructed after the Second World War with a dedication to the fallen of Lonnano. In this way, the reconstruction of the church and the remembrance of the fallen each represent a distinct part of the local memory.

Pilgrim detail and culinary context

Lonnano has a drinking fountain for pilgrims. This specific detail complements the village’s role as a stopping point on the Via di Francesco without extending the fountain’s function beyond the documented information.

The culinary context also leads to a characteristic traditional peasant dish: Scottiglia is a traditional dish made with stale bread and a sauce of mixed meats. It includes veal, pork, chicken, turkey, and rabbit; lamb may be added optionally. This composition makes clear that Scottiglia is not limited to a single type of meat but is defined precisely by the mixture.

Discover more destinations

For further orientation, you can also discover Pratieghi, Subbiano, Ortignano Raggiolo, Pian Di Sco, Sansepolcro, Le Ville, Anghiari, and Montemignaio.

For the overarching travel overview: Arezzo.