Via dei
Monasteri Regi
The Via dei Monasteri Regi is one of the Roman roads in the Piacenza area, attested in a document from 744.
In the 11th century, wayfarers could choose from a number of roads to cross the Apennines on their way to Rome, the best known of which was and is the Via Francigena, traced out thanks to the travel diary of the archbishop of Canterbury in 990.
For those passing through Piacenza, the first route to Pontremoli and from there to Rome was through the Val d’Arda, known for many centuries by merchants, monks and soldiers. This and other alternative routes to the Francigena were considered safer especially during times of wars – for example during the conflict between the Lombards and Byzantines between the 6th and 8th centuries – or of disease, because they were more demading and thus less travelled.
The route
The Valdardese route is therefore already attested in 744 AD. The document mentions three monasteries, founded in Fiorenzuola, Tolla (Morfasso) and Gravago (Bardi) by Lombard rulers.
Here is the route: from Fiorenzuola, following the River Arda, travellers reached the Abbey of Tolla passing through Castell’Arquato, Lugagnano, Rio Martino e Mignano in the Vernasca territory. They would ford the river at Settesorelle, continuing on the Genoa road towards the Casali di Morfasso to reach the Pelizzone pass; from there they would descend to Bardi, in the Noveglia Valley, to reach the monastery of Gravago, where the path joined what is now the Via degli Abati. Passing through Borgotaro and the Borgallo pass, they finally reached Pontremoli.
The Via dei Monasteri Regi association
An association of local history and hiking enthusiasts is pursuing a project to make it accessible again to today’s pilgrims: the dream is almost a reality.
The credit for the rediscovery of this Roman road is largely due to Fausto Ferrari, a passionate walker and connoisseur of local history. Ferrari is president of the association whose members include Ivan Leppini councillor of Lugagnano, Barbara Vascelli excursion guide of the EVA group, Chiara Periti tourist guide, Ture Magro artistic director of Sciara Progetti, Michele Antonioli of Guide Mtb Alta Val d’Arda, and Massimo Chiroli manager of the Lugagnano Camper Area. The Via degli Abati with its president Elio Piccoli and the Parchi del Ducato are also a part of the association.
Keep following us to learn how the project evolves.
BROWSE PHOTO GALLERY:
EVENTS IN VIGOLENO
WE ARE IN THE UPPER VAL D'ARDA
The Alta Val d’Arda is the easternmost Apennine part of the valley in the province of Piacenza, bordering on the province of Parma.
It has the irresistible charm of a land waiting to be discovered: a treasure chest of history, art, nature and flavours, for those who love to travel far from mass tourism.
