Filetto

Starting from 1351, the market village of Filetto, crossed by Via Francigena and the road leading to Bagnone, was part of the fiefdom of Malgrate, governed by the young Bernabò Malaspina. During the 17th century, the entire fiefdom was first ceded to the Ducal Chamber of Milan and later acquired by the Ariberti family of Cremona, who soon, realizing the strategic position of Filetto, favored the development of the village at the bottom of the valley at the expense of the capital of the fiefdom.

The Aribertis enlarged the village building a wide central street, a square and an elegant palace adjacent to the church of St. Jacopo and Antonio and the Fatebenefratelli Convent. The addition is connected to the village in an elegant way, with suspended bridges and arches that overlook the entrance gates to the town and connect the main buildings.

Just outside the small village, still surrounded by 17th-century walls, extends the famous Selva di Castagni: a centuries-old chestnut grove which surrounds the little oratory of San Genesio. This place, which Carlo Caselli, recalling Dante's memory in his story about the unknown Lunigiana, defines as "Suicides Forest"; has always been considered sacred and this is demonstrated by the eleven Stele Statues found here and the two imposing Menhirs still erected here.

The oratory still finds the devotion of tourists and the people of Villafranca, who every year dedicate a historic late summer fair to the saint, which has taken place here since the 17th century around August 25th. In ancient times, this event was dedicated above all to animals: here backyard and farm animals were sold and purchased before the coming of autumn and winter, but it was also a time of celebration and... engagement! In fact, on the occasion of the San Genesio Fair, lovers gave girls birds as a wedding promise.
Today the fair takes place under the chestnut trees and along the side streets and it is an opportunity to say goodbye to the summer with music, purchases and tastings of Lunigiana gastronomic specialties.