Montedivalli-Chiesa: Pieve, Genicciola and Panigaccio

Montedivalli stretches along the southern ridge of Monte Castellaro and is considered a gateway to the Val di Vara. The Pieve di Sant’Andrea, the archaeological site of Genicciola, and Panigaccio give Montedivalli-Chiesa distinctive cultural, scenic, and culinary character. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you are more interested in church art and history, a terraced landscape, or the cuisine of Lunigiana.

The Pieve di Sant’Andrea: Romanesque architecture and regular services

The Pieve di Sant’Andrea is first documented in a deed dated May 19, 963. Its architectural features include Romanesque sandstone columns with capitals depicting plant forms and human figures. The altar also has a precise history: it was created as part of an extensive restoration completed in 2011. Bishop Giovanni Santucci consecrated it on December 11 of that year.

The Pieve is also a place with regular service times. Mass is held on Sundays at 09:00; on holy days of obligation, it also begins at 09:00. Every fourth Tuesday of the month, a Eucharistic vigil is held from 21:00 to 23:00. It begins with Mass and continues with Eucharistic adoration. The feast calendar also lists specific dates: the Feast of Saint Peter is celebrated on June 29, and the Feast of Saint Andrew on November 30. If you plan to attend a service, check the Pieve’s current schedule.

A local report from June 2026 mentions a valuable statue of the Apostle Peter in the Pieve and also reports on statues of the Madonna and Child and the Ecce Homo. These two statues are kept there and can be viewed on Sundays and holy days of obligation during Mass. Before your visit, check whether this viewing opportunity is still available.

San Rocco: parish history and memorial plaque

In the present-day settlement of Chiesa, parish functions were celebrated in the new Oratory of San Rocco, which effectively became the parish church. The parish church of San Rocco contains a memorial plaque to those who fell in the First World War. The church has been inaccessible for years. The church’s images are kept in the Pieve di Sant’Andrea until restoration. Before visiting, check whether this access situation still applies.

Genicciola: terraces on the steep slope

The archaeological site of Genicciola lies on a steep slope at the edge of dense chestnut forests. It includes terraces built with dry-stone walls. A path leads to Genicciola from the valley floor near the Pieve di Sant’Andrea. Along the way, there are views of the Vara River, which flows into the Magra farther downstream. The dry-stone terraces lie on the steep slope; the path offers views of the Vara. Trail conditions may change, so check them before setting out.

Panigaccio and the cuisine of Lunigiana

Montedivalli is associated with the production of Panigaccio, a Slow Food Presidium and a traditional dish of Lunigiana’s culinary heritage. Panigaccio is an ancient, round, unleavened bread from Podenzana, baked on heated terracotta plates. It is served with oil and cheese, pesto, or mushroom sauce, or filled with cold cuts and cheese. The variations therefore differ both in their accompaniments and in whether the bread is filled. The Sagra del Panigaccio takes place in August in the municipality of Podenzana. If the festival is important to your travel plans, check the specific date in advance.

For your planning, it is also helpful to distinguish between the local attractions: Mass and the vigil have set times, while you should plan the route to Genicciola according to current trail conditions. If you are looking for a hotel in Montedivalli-Chiesa, consider whether a church service or a day focused on the landscape will shape your visit more.

Discover more destinations: Serralta.

For the broader travel overview: Podenzana.