Along the Via di Linari

ITINERARY

     7 h approx.

Pieve di Fidenza

Pieve di San Pancrazio

Pieve di Arola

Castello di Torrechiara

Pieve di San Michele Cavana

Pieve di Tizzano

The itinerary aims to accompany us Along the Via di Linari, an ancient route of commercial passage and pilgrimage to Rome alternative to that of the Via Francigena on which it was grafted from the city of Fidenza to Parma to reach Tuscany through the Lagastrello Pass, among the most popular routes of faith and trade of the Middle Ages.

Its name is linked to the history of the Abbey of Linari, a settlement of faith that stood right on the mountain ridge between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna and whose remains still testify to the great importance of Malpasso in the past.

The itinerary starts from the Pieve di Fidenza, today’s Cathedral dedicated to San Donnino, and continues along the Via Emilia before granting a stop in the Pieve di  San Pancrazio Parmense. From here the route continues, climbing the first hills of the Apennines and stopping first in the more recent Pieve di Arola, located downstream, and then in the original one located on the hill above the small village.

From here you continue for exactly two kilometres to reach the magnificent and unmistakable Castle of Torrechiara, one of the most beautiful and best preserved treasures of the medieval – renaissance period in Italy. The itinerary accompanies us on the hills of the opposite side, once you cross the Parma stream you will reach the Pieve di San Michele Cavana, which stands on a hill called ”Cavo” from which you can admire the entire valley.

The route ends higher up in the Pieve di Tizzano, here the view is really breathtaking, a great way to end a truly spectacular route.

ADVICES

Appropriate clothing is recommended for visiting sacred sites. The Parma Valley between Torrechiara, Lesignano de’ Bagni and Langhirano offers numerous restaurants where you can enjoy the typical food and wine delicacies that we fervently recommend to stop. After this necessary stop, arm yourself with a camera to immortalize unique landscapes and if time permits, enjoy the twilight from the Parish Church of Tizzano.