Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte
A place where spirituality and endless nature reign
At 1,000 meters above sea level, in the territories of Mulazzo in Lunigiana, stands the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte (Madonna of the Mount), known to all people of Lunigiana and very dear to the inhabitants of nearby towns, such as Pozzo and Montereggio.
Its particular position, near Casoni Pass, gateway from Liguria to Tuscany, and not far from the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri and from Rossano Valley to Zeri, has led the Sanctuary to become an important spiritual and hospitality place for wayfarers and pilgrims of the Via Francigena.
The Sanctuary
The sanctuary, of Romanesque architecture, is an ancient spiritual building documented since 12th century. It was in fact built around 1100 year by the Benedictine monks of the Abbey of Borzone-Borzonasca (GE) as a monastery and hospice for pilgrims.
In 1500 year it became the property of the Marquises Malaspina, who guaranteed the sacred mass for 400 years. In more recent years (1800) it returned to the ownership of the Church, today it is open every Sunday and on the events of specific occasions.
However, this magical place is also popular for the beautiful pine forest that surrounds the Sanctuary and for the panoramic path that allows you to go around the entire site, with unique panoramas which range from the Apuan Alps to the Apennines, passing through the mountainous border between Liguria and Tuscany.
Furthermore, there are rest areas with tables, benches and grill and there is a fountain with fresh, drinkable water.
In the surroundings of the Sanctuary
At the Sanctuary there is the opportunity to experience the MTB routes of the Lunigiana Bike Area or trekking paths, for example Via delle Maestà which leads towards Montereggio. This trail is pleasant and characterized by the presence of small religious shrines, the " Majesty” precisely, which mark the visitor's pace.
Also unmissable is the nearby village of Montereggio, "town of booksellers", which makes the Sanctuary of Madonna del Monte a pleasant stop on a daily excursion by bike, car or on foot.
Furthermore, the small town of Crocetta at the foot of the Sanctuary, hosts a traditional inn where it is possible to taste the dishes of Lunigiana cuisine, as well as the particular "Charbonnade": small slices of meat cooked directly at the table on grills preheated with coals. A culinary tradition from the French-speaking part of Switzerland which, a century ago, emigrants from these countries brought in Lunigiana, developing a gastronomic contamination rich in history.
