The Abbots Way is also known as the “Via Francigena di montagna”. From Pavia to Pontremoli, passing through Bobbio, the route crosses the provinces of Piacenza, Parma and Massa Carrara, and the municipalities of Broni, Castana, Canevino, Pometo, Caminata, Romagnese, Coli, Farini, Bardi and Borgotaro.
Some 120 miles of paths, mule tracks, cart tracks, through valleys and ridges: a long route that is not too challenging for true lovers of hiking and mountain biking, which will also take you through the woods of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/watch?v=Rg7ZxzddnDs

The history of the route dates back to the period of the Longobard rulers, when the monks of Bobbio used it in the 7th century on their journeys from Pavia to Rome. Connected as it was with the monasteries of Gravago, Corte Torresana and San Giovanni in Pontremoli, Bobbio allowed complete control of the road to Rome through the northern Apennines, from the Penice pass to the Borgallo pass; a route also used to transport people and products from Val Taro, Val Ceno and Tuscany to Bobbio.
The route was also used by Irish pilgrims on their way to and from Rome, who on their pilgrimage included a stop in Bobbio to visit the tomb of Saint Columbanus, the great Irish abbot who founded the local abbey.

Hamlets along the Way

The Abbots’ Way from Bobbio to Pontremoli runs through many lovely old towns, such as Bardi, with its famous castle that hosts an array of medieval-themed events with historical re-enactments.

Descending from Bardi along the old municipal road (803) and crossing the river Ceno on the present bridge, we continue our journey towards Borgo Val di Taro. Considered the capital of the valley, the town lies within the Curtis Turris which was perhaps the largest estate of St. Columbanus’s Abbey.

Not far from Borgo Val di Taro the Ghirardi Nature Reserve, covering almost 600 hectares, protects a corner of the Apennines that has remained as it once was. From Borgo Val di Taro a single itinerary leads to the Borgallo Pass (965 m), near which, even in the 19th century, there were the remains of the San Bartolomeo hospice. It’s on the edge of Brattello forest, which offers many interesting nature trails.

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Services and practical information

The Way’s 78.8 miles in Emilia-Romagna from Bobbio to Pontremoli can be split as follows:

Stage 1 | Bobbio – Mareto (13.7 miles)
Stage 2 | Mareto – Groppallo (10.2 miles)
Stage 3 | Groppallo – Bardi (13.2 miles)
Stage 4 | Bardi – Borgotaro (20.7 miles)
Stage 5 | Borgotaro – Pontremoli (21.1 miles)

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For any info about [Emilia RomagnaSlow] please contact <m.valeri@aptservizi.com>

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Apennines area Hiking Itineraries Paths and Routes Slow Tourism