Discover Villafranca in Lunigiana

Villafranca in Lunigiana lies in the middle stretch of the Magra Valley. If you are considering the town as a travel destination, you will find a range of starting points for planning here: a predominantly flat to hilly landscape, historic buildings, insights into Lunigiana’s rural culture and routes connected with the Via Francigena.

Landscapes and routes in Lunigiana

The sunniest, best-oriented terraces in Villafranca are covered with vineyards. The Fiume Magra nature reserve also includes land within the municipality. This means that agricultural slopes and a protected river area sit side by side, without reducing the landscape to a single image.

The Via Francigena passes through Villafranca in Lunigiana. The Church of San Niccolò lies along its route; its bell tower and a few other remains have survived. It stands beside the ruins of Castello di Malnido, at the confluence of the Bagnone and Magra rivers. For your travel planning, this connection between the Via Francigena, the church remains and the river confluence is a specific historical point of interest.

Cycling is also represented by a named route. Route 20 of the Lunigiana Bike Area starts in Selva di Filetto, opposite the Oratorio di San Genesio. It is 16 kilometres long and has a moderate physical difficulty rating. Its length and rating give you two specific points of reference if you would like to include a bike ride in your stay.

Castles, townscapes and cultural history

Castello di Malnido dates back to the 12th century and was the residence of the Malaspina dello Spino Secco family. According to one historical interpretation, it defended the trading village of Villafranca. The historic bridge and the remains of Castello del Malnido also contribute to the character of the historic centre.

In Filetto, the town layout preserves a rectangular plan, 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. This clear contrast between the street grid and the later extension offers a specific insight into the development of the townscape. Also in Filetto, the monastery of the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God was founded in 1665; it had a hospital.

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Groppofosco was built between the 12th and 13th centuries along the route of the Via Francigena. In Villafranca, the Parco Dantesco di Malnido commemorates Dante; the work by artist Luciano Massari was created in 2006. Together with the Church of San Niccolò, these places show different ways in which history is present in the landscape: as surviving remains, as a building along a historic route, and as a work dedicated to Dante.

The Museo Etnografico della Lunigiana is housed in a complex of old communal mills, documented since the 15th century. Its exhibition is divided into 13 thematic sections. Objects from Lunigiana’s rural culture are on display, including household utensils, work tools, and magical-protective and religious objects. Schools and adults can also learn to weave hands-on at prepared looms in an adjoining workshop. The museum also offers outdoor routes for exploring villages, castles, mills and olive mills.

Traditions and events

The Fiera di San Genesio takes place every year in Selva di Filetto. It includes tastings of traditional Lunigiana specialities and dates back to the 17th century. If you would like to plan your trip around the fair, check the specific event dates in advance.

Another recurring tradition is the Falò di S. Niccolò: every year on 5 December, a large blessed woodpile is burned in Villafranca’s historic centre, near the castle. The two customs offer different experiences—the Fiera pairs a visit with tastings, while the Falò takes place on a set date in the calendar year. Check the Falò’s exact programme before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Gragnana, Pian di Molino, Montignoso, Filattiera, Colonnata, Arpiola-pianturcano, Fosdinovo, Podenzana.

For the broader travel overview: Massa-Carrara.