An ancient route connected the Levanto canal port with Brugnato and Pontremoli during the Middle Ages, where it intersected with the Via Francigena. This route is known as the “Via dei Monti,” also referred to as the “Via de Pontremolo.” With the project “From Levanto to Brugnato along the ancient paths of pilgrims and merchants,” carried out with the support of the Compagnia di S. Paolo Foundation of Turin, the recovery and enhancement of the stretch from the Levante Riviera to the Val di Vara began in 2020.
The project had as partners the municipalities of Levanto, Borghetto di Vara, and Brugnato, the parish of S. Siro in Montale di Levanto, and the Italian Alpine Club – La Spezia Section, with the aim of promoting not only the medieval route but also raising awareness of the complex monumental heritage of the ancient parish of S. Siro with its attached Oratory of the Holy Cross.
In 2023, contacts were initiated with the municipalities of Zignago, Zeri, Pontremoli, the Union of Lunigiana Municipalities, and the Italian Alpine Club – Pontremoli Section to complete the restoration work of the entire route. This route was officially inaugurated in June in Castoglio di Zeri. Simultaneously, thanks to the support of the Compagnia di S. Paolo and Carispezia Foundations and the collaboration of the concerned municipalities and local associations, the lengthy and intricate process of valorizing the Via dei Monti has been set in motion.