From a historical point of view, Via Longobarda is a route that connected Parma and the entire central Po Valley, from Milan to Verona, with Lunigiana and with the centers of north-western Tuscany (Luni and Lucca).
It used the Apennine ridge between the Parma and Baganza streams and went to the Cirone pass (1255 m above sea level) and then descended into the bottom of the Magra valley both in Pontremoli and a little further downstream, in Filattiera.
From here you could continue along the most famous Via Francigena or with internal routes between Lunigiana and Garfagnana towards the sea, Lucca and Rome.
Via Longobarda is dotted with castles, churches and remains of ancient hospitals that confirm its use during the Middle Ages by armed men, merchants, wayfarers and pilgrims. Important archaeological finds ensure its relevance in the Lombard age.

From Piazza delle Rocca in Sala B.za, along Via Figlie della Croce we will reach Castellaro, passing the oratory of the Madonnina and slowly gaining altitude we will reach the panoramic ridge, between gullies and meadows in a magnificent hilly environment.

In the locality of Le Due Case, leave the Via Longobarda in the direction of Montale and losing altitude you reach the path that runs along the Baganza stream in a sinuous natural labyrinth consisting mainly of large poplars up to the area of the Sala B.za Sports Field to return to the starting point enjoying a wonderful view of the Rocca.

Stories and tales about the figure of women in the Lombard age will accompany the excursion in which men are also welcome!

Total difference in height: about 200 meters

Level of difficulty: medium

Meeting point: Saturday 07 March 2026 at 08.45 a.m. at the parking lot in Via Figlie delle Croce, 8, in the municipality of Sala Baganza (PR). https://maps.app.goo.gl/UhAJmWeGjZxz3uLj7

End of the excursion: 1:00 p.m. (at the Sala Baganza car park) excursion only or 4:30 p.m. (in Talignano) excursion and meditation with donkeys

Required equipment: “layered” clothing, light trousers (preferably long), shoes with non-slip soles, waterproof jacket and/or rain cape, comfortable backpack with insect repellent and personal supply of water of at least 1.5 liters, snacks if desired, packed lunch.

Organizer and Guide: Elisa Lorenzani (GAE)

Cost of participation: € 20.00 per person – excursion only or € 25.00 per person – excursion and meditation with donkeys – Free of charge Law no. 104/92 and guide.

Reservation required: tel 349/4286844, elisa@asininelcuore.it, Facebook and Instagram page: Elisa Lorenzani

After the excursion, moving with your own car, it is possible to have lunch with your own packed food at the AsiNando Educational Farm in Talignano (Hamlet of Sala Baganza) and participate in a Female Meditation session in the company of donkeys.