Montereggio: Village History and Bookseller Traditions

Montereggio combines local feudal history with the tradition of travelling booksellers. The feudal territory was established in 1573; the village is also described as Italy’s only “book village.” Its architecture, former strategic importance and book trade offer tangible ways to get to know the character of this destination. If you’re looking for a cultural focus for your stay, you’ll find both here: traces of a fortified settlement and a history that reaches far beyond Montereggio through books.

Fortified Village and Historic Buildings

Montereggio was an ancient fortified village in a strategic location. From the Valico dei Casoni, it controlled the route connecting the Magra Valley, the Via Francigena and the Ligurian Sea. Montereggio’s strategic importance is also reflected in its depiction in the Gallery of Maps at the Vatican Museums.

The Palazzo dei Marchesi Malaspina is a feudal residence incorporating two towers from an older castle. At the centre stands the Church of Santo Apollinare e San Francesco Fogola; its bell tower is now attached to the half-front. The tower served a defensive purpose and was connected to other towers that are no longer present in the area. The Church of Sant’Apollinare preserves relics of the Chinese martyr bishop Francesco Fogolla, as well as the font where he was baptised.

The squares also tell of the village’s different functions. At the entrance to Montereggio, Piazza Arnoldi has a medieval stone gateway. Piazza Mondadori, also called Piazza della Fontana, is home to a stone fountain dating from 1856. At the time, it was the only source of water for Montereggio’s residents. The gateway and fountain thus offer a tangible counterpoint to the broader story of fortifications and strategic location: they point to the entrance to the village and an important resource for its inhabitants.

The History of the Travelling Booksellers

The history of Montereggio’s booksellers dates back to the Renaissance. From the 19th century onwards, travelling booksellers from Montereggio brought books to towns across central and northern Italy. These two time periods describe different stages: the Renaissance marks the beginning of this history, while the journeys carrying books to towns are documented in the 19th century. The village’s history is therefore about more than buildings and strategic location: it is also about people whose work took them far beyond Montereggio.

A monument to the travelling bookseller was erected in Montereggio in 1959. Together with its designation as Italy’s only “book village,” it gives the bookseller tradition a lasting place in the image of the village. For travellers interested in cultural history, this connection is particularly tangible: it spans the long history of the booksellers and a monument from the 20th century.

Cantamaggio and Choosing Your Destination

Cantamaggio reveals another side of local tradition. It features folk songs, the colours of spring and a sense of community. It complements the history of the booksellers with a cultural note rooted in community and the changing seasons.

If these themes fit your travel plans, you can then choose a specific hotel to suit your personal requirements.

Discover more destinations: Gavedo

Return to the main travel overview: Mulazzo.