A Frazione of Pontremoli
Montelungo
An ancient mountain hamlet on the Via Francigena, where pilgrims have found shelter for over a thousand years at the gates of the Cisa Pass.
837m
Altitude
972 AD
First Recorded
XXXII
Sigeric's Stage
14 km
From Pontremoli
Over a Thousand Years of History
A Village Born of Faith & Pilgrimage
Montelungo (formerly Monte Lungo) is a small frazione of the municipality of Pontremoli, perched at 837 meters above sea level in the Tuscan Apennines. The village sits along the historic SS 62 della Cisa road, just 14 kilometers from Pontremoli and not far from the Cisa Pass that connects Tuscany to Emilia-Romagna.
The name Montelungo may derive from "Mons Longobardorum" (Monte Bardone), which defined part of the Via Francigena itself — making the village literally a place "along the road of the Lombards." Its origins stretch back with certainty to before the year 1000, when it fell under the jurisdiction of the powerful Benedictine Abbey of San Colombano di Bobbio. From this monastic connection arose the ancient chapel that became the parish church of San Benedetto.
The village first appears in official records in August 972 AD, in a placitum (legal decree) issued by Marquis Oberto, Count of the Palace of Italy and commendatory abbot of the Abbey of Bobbio. The decree was pronounced in the Villa di Gragio, condemning the monks of San Martino di Pavia for illegally felling oak trees in the forests of Montelungo.
In the centuries that followed, Montelungo became a vital stop on the Via Francigena, the great medieval pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome. The village maintained a xenodochium (pilgrim hospice) run by Benedictine monks, offering shelter and comfort to weary travelers crossing the Apennines. In 990 AD, Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury recorded it as the XXXII stage of his return journey, naming it "Sce Benedicte" after the parish church dedicated to Saint Benedict.
The original ancient settlement was located slightly to the east of the current village. In the 15th century, devastating landslides forced the population to abandon the old site and rebuild in its present location, which consists of two distinct clusters: Villa Superiore (upper village) andVilla Inferiore (lower village). By 1833, the parish counted 285 inhabitants; the 1881 census recorded 466, though many had already emigrated in search of better opportunities. Today, approximately 58 residents call Montelungo home.
Historical Timeline
8th c.
Chapel and xenodochium built to host pilgrims on the Via di Monte Bardone
972
First official mention in a placitum by Marquis Oberto of Bobbio
990
Recorded as Stage XXXII ('Sce Benedicte') in Sigeric's itinerary
15th c.
Village relocated after devastating landslides destroyed original settlement
16th c.
Current Church of San Benedetto constructed
1833
Parish records 285 inhabitants
1858
Francesco Bossi installs the unique pipe organ in the church
1881
Population peaks at 466 before mass emigration
Today
Approximately 58 residents; a living monument on the Via Francigena
The Ancient Road
On the Via Francigena — Canterbury to Rome
For over a millennium, pilgrims have walked through Montelungo on their journey between Canterbury and Rome, making it one of the most historic stops on this ancient route.
Discover the Village
What to See in Montelungo
Church of San Benedetto
The current parish church dates to the mid-16th century, built on the site of the original 8th-century chapel that once served as a pilgrim waypoint. Inside, it houses a remarkable 1858 pipe organ by Francesco Bossi of Bergamo — the only instrument of its kind in all of Lunigiana. The Bossi family has been among Italy's most renowned organ builders since the 16th century. Recently restored, the organ remains a treasure of the village.
On the church facade, a plaque with a bronze bust commemorates Monsignor Luigi Rosa, born in Montelungo in 1883, who later served as Bishop of Bagnoregio.
Fonte della Virtù
Montelungo is also known as a thermal destination thanks to the Fonte della Virtù(Spring of Virtue), a natural mineral spring whose waters have long been considered to have curative properties. The spring contributes to the village's reputation as a refreshing summer retreat, prized for its cool mountain breezes at nearly 840 meters altitude.
The combination of clean mountain air, healing waters, and the tranquil Apennine setting has drawn visitors seeking respite from the heat of the lowlands for generations.
Via Francigena Heritage
As Stage XXXII of Sigeric's itinerary (990 AD), Montelungo holds a special place in the history of European pilgrimage. The village sits between Pontremoli (Stage XXXI,"Puntremel") and Berceto beyond the Cisa Pass (Stage XXXIII, "Sce Moderanne"). Today, modern-day pilgrims and hikers still pass through on the certified Via Francigena trail.
The ancient xenodochium (pilgrim hospice) that once stood here was run by Benedictine monks from the 8th century, offering food, shelter, and spiritual comfort to travelers braving the Apennine crossing.
Village Character
Montelungo is a quintessential Apennine hamlet divided into two clusters: Villa Superiore (upper village) and Villa Inferiore (lower village). Stone houses with slate roofs line narrow lanes, and the church bell tower rises above the surrounding chestnut forests. The village offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
With only about 58 permanent residents today, Montelungo retains an authentic, unhurried atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bustle of modern life — a living testament to centuries of mountain community.
Plan Your Visit
Getting to Montelungo
🚗 By Car
From Pontremoli (14 km, ~20 minutes): Take the SS 62 della Cisa northward toward the Cisa Pass. The road winds through the Magra valley, passing through Mignegno before climbing to Montelungo.
From the A15 Motorway: Exit at the Pontremoli toll booth, then follow the SS 62 north toward Passo della Cisa. Montelungo is approximately 14 km from the motorway exit.
From Parma / Berceto: Cross the Cisa Pass on the SS 62 heading south. Montelungo is one of the first villages you'll encounter on the Tuscan side of the pass.
🥾 On Foot (Via Francigena)
Montelungo is a waypoint on the official Via Francigena trail. Hikers walking from Pontremoli toward the Cisa Pass will pass through the village. The Trekking Lunigiana trail (Stage 6: Cervara–Montelungo) is a challenging 16 km route that also passes through the village.
ℹ️ Practical Information
Postal Code: 54027
Phone Prefix: 0187
Patron Saint: San Benedetto (Saint Benedict)
Altitude: 837 m above sea level
Municipality: Pontremoli (MS), Tuscany
Coordinates: 44°26′44.7″N, 9°54′31.1″E
Montelungo· Pontremoli
Sigeric's Itinerary (990 AD)
Montelungo on the Pilgrim's Road
Stage XXXI
Puntremel
(Pontremoli)
Stage XXXII
Sce Benedicte
(Montelungo)
Stage XXXIII
Sce Moderanne
(Berceto, via Cisa Pass)
Visit Montelungo
Whether you're walking the Via Francigena, exploring the Lunigiana's hidden villages, or simply seeking the tranquility of the Apennine mountains, Montelungo offers a glimpse into a thousand years of Italian mountain life.