Unione dei Comuni Valli Taro e Ceno
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.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
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
Tel. +39 0525 921811
segreteria@unionetaroceno.pr.it
Roadbook
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 PRCoordinates
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
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

User Questions