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Hiking Trail recommended route Hiking Trail  · Varsi

Trasversale Francigena - Second stage

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Unione dei Comuni Valli Taro e Ceno
  • Panorama along the route
    Panorama along the route
    Photo: Giulia Pesarin, Unione dei Comuni Valli Taro e Ceno

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    The route is the second stage of the Trasversale Francigena, the itinerary moves from the capital Pellegrino Parmense to reach the locality of Pessola, a hamlet of Varsi.
    moderate
    Distance 22.1 km
    7:20 h
    1,170 m
    817 m
    944 m
    229 m

    The Trasversale Francigena is a route of 68.80 km length, it starts at Vigoleno and ends at Borgo Val di Taro. It is an ancient transversal path that connected the road that from Fidenza led to Bardi and Varsi with the Via Francigena and Berceto.

    It is divided into three stages and in the last stretch it crosses the Via degli Abati, the shortest route for those traveling on foot from Pavia to Lucca and towards Rome, existing since the 7th century.

    It starts from the center of Pellegrino Parmense and passes the Santuario della Beata Vergine di Careno, a pilgrimage destination and an oasis of peace immersed in greenery and silence.

    Crossing the medieval village of Vianino, it moves towards Contile, a hamlet of the municipality of Varsi, where it is possible to enjoy a panoramic view of the Val Ceno from the Church of San Leonardo (1352).

    It continues until reaching the hamlet of Pessola that rises on the left side of the Val Pessola, at the foot of Mount Dosso.

    Author’s recommendation

    A few steps from the start, it is possible to admire, towering on a hill, the Castello di Pellegrino Parmense (981) with its massive defensive walls.

    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    944 m
    Lowest point
    229 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Dirt road 5.40%Forested/wild trail 83.05%Road 11.53%
    Dirt road
    1.2 km
    Forested/wild trail
    18.4 km
    Road
    2.6 km
    Show elevation profile

    Safety information

    Remember to carefully evaluate the type of route you are undertaking, the localities you plan to cross, and the current season. Has it rained? Be careful! The paths will be more slippery and therefore you need to be more cautious.

    Always let someone know where you are going and how long you expect your hike to last.

    The emergency phone number is 112.

    Local authorities and associations present in the concerned areas assume no legal responsibility for any damage or accidents to people and property that may occur along the marked routes.

    RESPECT THE TERRITORY:

    • do not throw paper tissues, cans, glass or plastic bottles, candy wrappers, or cigarette butts or packs on the ground.
    • take your waste home or wait to find a bin.
    • respect flora, fauna, and crops, do not remove fruits or wild plants; they could have been subjected to phytosanitary treatments.
    • report any disorderly situations or unusual behavior to the municipality.

    Tips and suggestions

    UNION OF THE MUNICIPALITIES VALLI TARO AND CENO

    www.cmtaroceno.pr.it

    Tel. +39 0525 921811

    segreteria@unionetaroceno.pr.it

    Roadbook

    It is always recommended to download the GPS track to avoid unpleasant situations and enjoy a fun experience.
    Rest stop
    Tip
    Nearby
    Top Partner
    Waypoint
    Start point
    End point
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    High point
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    Today {low} to {high} and {precipitation} of {precipitation_type}
    show {x} more
    Photo
    Video
    Chiesa di San Giuseppe
    Castello di Pellegrino Parmense
    Santuario di Careno della Beata Vergine Assunta
    Castello di Vianino
    Santuario Madonna della Fosa
    Chiesa di San Leonardo
    Passo Bandiera
    Chiesa di Pessola

    Public transport

    Public-transport-friendly

    BUS

    Tep line 2205, 2240 from Fidenza station

    Tep line 2210 from Salsomaggiore Terme station

    Directions

    CAR

    Exit Fornovo | A15 Cisa motorway | Parma-La Spezia

    Exit Borgotaro | A15 Cisa motorway | Parma-La Spezia

    Exit Fidenza - Salsomaggiore T. | A1 Autostrada del Sole | Milan-Naples

    Exit Fiorenzuola | A1 Autostrada del Sole | Milan-Naples

    TRAIN

    Salsomaggiore Terme station (PR)

    Fornovo di Taro station (PR)

    At the station you can use buses and shuttle services to reach your destination, so with the train, Pellegrino Parmense is connected to all the main Italian cities.

    Parking

    Piazza Lorenzo Berzeri - Pellegrino Parmense PR

    Coordinates

    DD
    44.732959, 9.927308
    DMS
    44°43'58.7"N 9°55'38.3"E
    UTM
    32T 573424 4953704
    w3w 
    ///weakened.throughput.exploit
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Equipment

    Hikes require specific clothing and equipment. Even for relatively short and easy trips, it is always better to be well equipped to avoid unpleasant surprises and face unexpected events such as a sudden storm or a drop in energy: even unexpected events are part of the fun!

    What to bring during a hike:

    • adequate footwear
    • an adequate water supply according to your needs (from 1 to 2 liters considering temperature, possibility of refilling, duration of the route)
    • snacks (for example, dried fruit or bars)
    • windbreaker and rain jacket
    • spare shirt and socks
    • sunscreen
    • sunglasses
    • gloves and hat in winter months
    • GPX track loaded on your phone 

    Localization

    Parts of this content were machine translated from Italian.

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    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    22.1 km
    Duration
    7:20 h
    Ascent
    1,170 m
    Descent
    817 m
    Highest point
    944 m
    Lowest point
    229 m
    Public-transport-friendly Linear route Multi-stage route Scenic Refreshment stops available Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights Dog-friendly 'Healthy climate'

    Weather at the starting point

    10-day forecast

    Statistics

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