Vacation rental in Montelungo: Via Francigena, nature and history

The Castello del Piagnaro castle and the Chiesetta della Madonna dell'Orsaro church are located nearby. Waterfalls, peaks and the history of the Via Francigena give the area different facets – from observing nature to cultural discoveries.

Waterfalls and peaks in the surrounding area

The Cascata della colombaia waterfall is located near Montelungo. The Piscio di Pracchiola waterfall is in the surrounding area. The peaks of Monte Pelata and Monte Valoria are also nearby. Further afield in the region are the ruins of Rocca di Gusaliggio and Castello di Compiano castle.

Via Francigena and historical landmarks

Montelungo is considered the site of the historic Sce Benedicte hospice on the Via Francigena. The palazzo in Montelungo is an old historic building that local tradition connects with the route of the Via Francigena. A xenodochium administered by the Benedictine order has been documented in Montelungo since the early Middle Ages. The medieval xenodochium provided pilgrims and travelers on the road over the Passo della Cisa with accommodation and support.

Pass, valley and hiking stage

The Passo della Cisa is a historic pass at an elevation of 1,041 meters and is located 5 kilometers from Montelungo. A small church dedicated to the Madonna della Guardia stands by the pass; today, it is designated as the “Porta della Via Francigena in Toscana”. The Valle del Magriola descends from the Passo della Cisa to the Pontremoli municipality district of Mignegno, passing through Montelungo and Succisa. The Tuscan Via Francigena stage from the Passo della Cisa to Pontremoli is 19.57 kilometers long; the walking time is approximately five hours. The route length and approximate walking time help with planning a suitable day stage along the Via Francigena.

Festivals, organ and spring

Religious traditions are also part of the local character. The Festa della Madonna della Cintura festival is celebrated in Montelungo on the third Sunday in August with an afternoon mass and a procession through the parish streets. A festival in honor of Saint Benedict is documented for the month of March. The Prioria di San Benedetto in Montelungo houses a historic organ built by Francesco Bossi in 1858. The area is also known for its oligomineral waters, which flow from the so-called Fonte della virtù spring.

Choose a vacation rental in Montelungo based on your travel interests

When choosing your vacation rental in Montelungo, you can therefore focus on the themes you want your trip to center on: the Via Francigena and its history, waterfalls and peaks, regional castles, or festivals and the history of the organ. This makes the accommodation decision part of your personal travel planning, without reducing the diversity of the area to just one attraction.

For the overarching travel overview: Pontremoli.