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Via Longobarda

From a historical point of view, Via Longobarda is a route that connected Parma and the entire central Po Valley, from Milan to Verona, with Lunigiana and the centres of north-western Tuscany (Luni and Lucca).
It used the Apennine ridge between the Parma and Baganza streams and led to the Cirone pass (1,255 m above sea level) and then descended to the bottom of the Magra valley either to Pontremoli or a little further downstream to Filattiera.
From here one could continue along the better known Via Francigena or by internal routes between Lunigiana and Garfagnana towards the sea, Lucca and Rome.
Via Longobarda is dotted with castles, parish churches and the remains of ancient hospitals that confirm its use during the Middle Ages by armies, merchants, travellers and pilgrims. Important archaeological finds ensure its relevance in the Lombard age. In the 14th century, it was also known in the Parma Valley as the 'via dei Monti parmensi' and was for centuries one of the routes for trading and smuggling salt.
The itinerary described and signposted here allows the section of the Via Longobarda to be travelled, from the Parma foothills (Sala Baganza, Felino, Torrechiara and Langhirano) to the Cirone Pass on the border with Tuscany.
Along the itinerary you will cross two of the Regional Natural Parks managed by the Parchi del Ducato, namely the Parco Boschi di Carrega and the Parco dei Cento Laghi, as well as the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park.
The itinerary can be travelled in both directions.

Via Longobarda is divided into 6 stages, described here below, and is signposted throughout the territory with vertical signs (Signpost 741). You can also download the EasyWays App and search for Via Longobarda in the Local Networks' section.

Difficulty LevelDifficulty LevelT -Tourist (level)E - Hiking (level)EE - For expert hikersEEA - For expert hikers with equipment

DurationDurationfino a 2 oreda 2 a 4 oreoltre 4 ore

Found 6 results

Stage 01 - From Torrechiara to Fragno Pass

Difficulty Level: E - Hiking (level)

Duration: 6 h 30 m

Stage 01v - From Langhirano to the Fragno Pass

Difficulty Level: E - Hiking (level)

Duration: 6 h

Stage 01v - From Felino to the Fragno Pass

Difficulty Level: E - Hiking (level)

Duration: 7 h

Stage 01v - From Sala Baganza to the Fragno Pass

Difficulty Level: E - Hiking (level)

Duration: 9 h 50 m

Stage 02 - From the Fragno Pass to the Cirone Pass

Difficulty Level: EE - For expert hikers

Duration: 9 h 20 m

Stage 02v - From Corniglio to the Cirone Pass

Difficulty Level: E - Hiking (level)

Duration: 6 h 50 m