Villafranca In Lunigiana – History, Landscape and Trails

Villafranca In Lunigiana combines the landscape of the middle Magra Valley with an unusually rich history. The municipality is predominantly characterised by flat and hilly landscapes. Vineyards lie on the sunniest and best-oriented terraces, while the Fiume Magra nature reserve also encompasses parts of the municipality of Villafranca In Lunigiana. This creates a destination where historic places, rural culture, trails and landscape stand closely side by side.

Culture among mills, castles and Dante

A special connection between art and local history is showcased by the Parco Dantesco di Malnido. It commemorates Dante; the work by artist Luciano Massari was created in 2006. Nearby stands Castello di Malnido, which dates back to the 12th century and was once the residence of the Malaspina dello Spino Secco family. Castello di Malnido defended the trading village of Villafranca. Today, the remains of Castello del Malnido, together with the historic bridge, characterise the historic centre. At the confluence of the Bagnone and the Magra, the remains of the Church of San Niccolò stand beside the ruins of Castello di Malnido. Only the bell tower and a few other parts of the church remain. The church lies along the route of the Via Francigena, which passes through Villafranca In Lunigiana. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Groppofosco was also built along the route of the Via Francigena between the 12th and 13th centuries. The Museo Etnografico della Lunigiana is housed in a complex of old communal mills documented since the 15th century. The exhibition is divided into 13 thematic sections and presents objects, household utensils, tools, as well as magical-protective and religious objects from the rural culture of Lunigiana. In addition, the museum offers outdoor routes for exploring villages, castles, mills and oil mills. In an adjacent workshop, schools and adults can learn to weave hands-on using prepared looms.

Filetto, trails and regional traditions

Filetto preserves a rectangular town layout with streets running at right angles to one another and central squares. The Borgo degli Ariberti is a late-medieval Renaissance extension of the older part of Filetto. The monastery of the Hospitaller Brothers of Saint John of God was also founded there in 1665; it had a hospital. For an active perspective on the surrounding area, Route 20 of the Lunigiana Bike Area begins in the Selva di Filetto, opposite the Oratorio di San Genesio. The route is 16 kilometres long and has a moderate physical difficulty level. You can also encounter history and regional tradition at the Fiera di San Genesio, held every year in the Selva di Filetto. Its origins date back to the 17th century; the event includes tastings of traditional Lunigiana specialities. Every year on 5 December, the tradition of the Falò di S. Niccolò is observed in the historic centre of Villafranca. A large blessed woodpile is burned near the castle. If you would like to compare other places for planning your trip, you can also find Caniparola, Licciana-Nardi, Filattiera, Casola In Lunigiana, Bagnone, Malgrate, Fivizzano and Pontremoli.

For the higher-level travel overview: Massa-Carrara.