Via di Linari

The Via di Linari is a historic route that crosses the Apennines between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, combining nature, spirituality, and history along an ancient pilgrimage route. For centuries, it served as one of the routes across the Apennines used by pilgrims, merchants, and travelers heading toward Rome or the Lunigiana, running parallel to the Via Francigena and facilitating trade between the Po Valley and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its name derives from the ancient Abbey of San Salvatore di Linari, which for a long time served as a place of welcome and a point of reference for those crossing the ridge.

The trail stretches for about 135 km, 110 km of which are in Emilia-Romagna, divided into 8 stages. From the Via Francigena in Fidenza, it reaches Parma and follows the Parma River valley up to Torrechiara Castle, one of the most spectacular castles in Emilia. It then continues through the Val d’Enza, crosses the UNESCO Tuscan-Emilian Apennines Biosphere Reserve, and reaches the Lagastrello Pass, from which it descends into Lunigiana, rejoining the Via Matildica del Volto Santo.

The Emilian section takes hikers from the Parma plain to the landscapes of the Apennines, passing through medieval villages, castles, Romanesque parish churches, forests, and sweeping ridge-top vistas. In addition to its historical and natural heritage, the route offers the chance to discover the region’s rural traditions and culinary delights, from Prosciutto di Parma to typical Apennine products.

The Via di Linari is fully marked, features GPS tracks, and can be traveled on foot or by mountain bike. Along the route, there are guesthouses, farmstays, and lodging facilities that allow travelers to plan their journey in multiple stages.

The route connects to the Via Francigena at Fidenza and, beyond the Lagastrello Pass, joins the Via Matildica del Volto Santo, becoming part of the network of major Apennine trails.

Since 2016, the Via di Linari has been recognized as part of the Emilia-Romagna Network of Pilgrimage Routes and Trails.