Holiday apartment in Villafranca in Lunigiana: Culture, Landscapes and Trails

Villafranca in Lunigiana lies in the central section of the Magra Valley. The area is characterised predominantly by flat and hilly landscapes, while vineyards cover the sunniest and best-oriented terraces. The Fiume Magra in Lunigiana Nature Reserve also includes land within the municipality of Villafranca in Lunigiana. Here, landscapes, history and regional traditions therefore come together within a compact thematic area.

Culture among Mills, Art and Crafts

In Villafranca, the Parco Dantesco di Malnido commemorates Dante; the work by artist Luciano Massari was created in 2006. The Museo Etnografico della Lunigiana offers an insight into the rural culture of Lunigiana. It is housed in a complex of old communal mills that can be traced back to the 15th century. The exhibition is divided into 13 thematic sections and presents objects, household utensils, work tools, as well as magical-protective and religious items. In an adjoining workshop, schools and adults can learn to weave in practice using prepared looms. The museum also offers outdoor routes for exploring villages, castles, mills and olive mills.

Filetto and the Historic Via Francigena

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. The Via Francigena passes through Villafranca in Lunigiana. Along its route stands the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Groppofosco, built between the 12th and 13th centuries. The Church of San Niccolò is also located along this historic route.

Castles, River Landscapes and Active Days

Castello di Malnido dates back to the 12th century and was the residence of the Malaspina dello Spino Secco family. It defended the trading village of Villafranca. Only the bell tower and a few other remains of the Church of San Niccolò survive; it stands beside the ruins of Castello di Malnido at the confluence of the Bagnone and the Magra. The historic centre of Villafranca is characterised by the historic bridge and the remains of Castello del Malnido.

For a sporting excursion, Route 20 of the Lunigiana Bike Area offers a clearly defined option: it begins in Selva di Filetto opposite the Oratorio di San Genesio, is 16 kilometres long and has a moderate physical difficulty level. Together with the ethnographic museum’s outdoor routes, this creates various opportunities to explore the landscapes and historic sites of Lunigiana.

Festivals and Specialities of Lunigiana

Every year on 5 December, the tradition of the Falò di S. Niccolò is observed in the historic centre of Villafranca by burning a large blessed woodpile near the castle. The Fiera di San Genesio takes place every year in Selva di Filetto and includes tastings of traditional Lunigiana specialities. Its origins date back to the 17th century. Such fixed annual events bring together local history, shared experiences and regional cuisine.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Villafranca in Lunigiana, the combination you want may be the deciding factor: nature, local history, a museum visit, weaving, trails, cycling or an event featuring regional specialities all create different focal points. If different interests come together within the family, the stay can be planned around cultural discoveries, practical activities and festivals. The accommodation decision can therefore be guided by the experiences you actually want to combine.

More Destinations for Your Planning

Arpiola-pianturcano, Montignoso, Fosdinovo, Bagnone, Comano, Licciana-Nardi, Gragnana, Aulla

To the main travel overview: Massa-Carrara.