Along this stretch, you’ll encounter places of great historical and artistic value such as the Aghinolfi Castle in Montignoso, an ancient fortress located in a strategic position to guard over the path and the sea. Not far from the route, the village of Seravezza, where streams join to form the Versilia River, is home to the majestic Medici Palace, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After passing picturesque villages such as Pietrasanta and Monteggiori, the route leads to Camaiore and the historic Badia di San Pietro, an abbey dating back to the 7ᵗʰ century, later enlarged thanks to a contribution from Matilda of Tuscany. Other gems can also be visited along the way, such as the ancient Pieve di San Giovanni, a parish church nestled in the hilly landscape that alternates ups and downs, offering striking views.

This section of the Via Francigena offers scenic views and is well served by refreshment points in Montignoso, Strettoia and Pietrasanta, with a fair supply of water for pilgrims.

Located in the territory of Montignoso, Castello Aghinolfi is an imposing fortress towering on a hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Apuan Alps. Dating back to the Longobard period, the Castle played a crucial role in the defense of the territory, serving as a strategic point along the Via Francigena. Its last military use was in 1945, when it was occupied by a Nazi garrison. Over the centuries, the structure has undergone several transformations, yet its imposing structure and towers still retain the appearance of a medieval stronghold exalted by restoration works.

The Castle is open to the public, offering a viewing terrace as well as educational tours and temporary exhibitions that allow visitors to be immersed in the history of this place that has seen the passage of armies and pilgrims alike.

One of the most significant buildings in Versilia, Seravezza’s Medici Palace bears witness to the power of the Medici family in the 16ᵗʰ century. Commissioned by Cosimo I de’ Medici, the fortified building stands in the village, constructed to house the visiting noble family while overseeing activities related to the extraction of marble from the Apuan Alps. The imposing structure, built in Renaissance style, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. Today, it hosts cultural events, art exhibitions and the Museum of Folk Work and Traditions in Historic Versilia, narrating the story of the area and its traditions. 

Just a short distance from the track, a visit to the Medici Palace is a journey into the past, among art, history and beauty, allowing you to discover the cultural roots of one of the most fascinating areas of Tuscany.

With its white marble façade and bell tower rising majestically over the piazza, the Cathedral of San Martino is the spiritual heart of the city of Pietrasanta, also known as “Little Athens” for its artistic tradition. The interior of the Cathedral houses a number of artworks, including frescoes and sculptures testifying to the artistic evolution of the place, as well as the deep connection between Pietrasanta and the marble of the Apuan Alps. The Cathedral is likewise an ideal starting point for exploring the historic center of the village, which preserves the artistic tradition of bronze and marble work and sculpture workshops selected by many internationally renowned artists to create their works. Simply strolling through the historic center, defined as an “art traffic zone,” shows how much art is part of the urban fabric.

Pietrasanta’s Models Museum brings together a vast collection of plaster models and sketches of sculptures made by some of the world’s greatest international artists. Established in 1984, the museum is housed in the former convent of Saint Augustine and is a must for those who want to understand the creative process that transforms an idea into a work of art. Pietrasanta is known throughout the world for its tradition of marble carving, the importance of which is celebrated by the museum in showcasing the evolution of sculptural techniques and the influence the city has had on artists such as Fernando Botero and many others. A fascinating journey into the heart of sculpture, exploring the unbreakable bond between art and the land that inspired it.

One of the most striking places in Versilia, the Badia di San Pietro with its monastic complex represented an oasis of peace founded by the Benedictines in the 7ᵗʰ century. Of the Convent, the ancient gate remains intact, as an open breach between invisible walls. The Romanesque layout of the Badia di San Pietro also remained unchanged, as did the apse and part of the simple façade. Throughout its long history, the Badia di San Pietro has played a crucial role as a place of worship and resting spot for pilgrims on their way to Rome. 

Today, Badia di San Pietro is still a religious place and welcomes pilgrims wanting to discover its spirituality, the silence that gives moments of contemplation but also its artistic beauty. Inside, discover the remarkable frescoes of the Giotto school and an important organ from the 17ᵗʰ century. 

A cured meat that tells of tradition and the deep connection between the land and local cuisine, Mortadella di Camaiore is one of Versilia’s most beloved gastronomic delicacies. Prepared with high-quality pork, natural flavorings and selected spices, it is distinguished by its delicate flavor and smooth texture. Handcrafted according to ancient recipes handed down from generation to generation, Mortadella di Camaiore is perfect to enjoy with fresh bread or as an ingredient in numerous typical dishes. This cured meat represents the conviviality and love of good food that characterize the gastronomic tradition of Versilia.