The Via Francisca del Lucomagno starts in Constance and, after crossing Switzerland, enters Italy at Lavena Ponte Tresa to reach Pavia in 135 km. It runs all through Lombardy in the midst of nature, important waterways, parks, places of art and culture. On the route there are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Sacro Monte di Varese and the Monastery of Torba).
The route is suitable for everyone and can be covered on foot, by bicycle and most of it is also accessible to people with reduced mobility. Walking the Via Francisca del Lucomagno is an opportunity to rediscover values and to experience moments together with others or to reflect on your own. A variety of accommodation awaits you, from the most comfortable to the simplest and most spartan, where the spirit of sharing is the protagonist.
SpiritualTour offers you an organised walk, with overnight stays, dinners and breakfasts for most of the stages, including entrance fees at the main points of interest:
The Crypt and the Pogliaghi Museum at Sacro Monte
The Monastery of Torba
Branda Museum and Collegiate Church in Castiglione Olona
The Abbey of Morimondo
The stage is mostly on cycle paths and you will pass several small villages. The stage ends at the Badia di Ganna.
The numbers: 14.2 km with 363 m of altitude difference.
Lunch: We recommend that you bring your own lunch.
Overnight stay, dinner and breakfast: Albergo Tre Risotti less than 1 km from the Badia, pilgrim’s dinner and breakfast included. Bed linen and towels are also included.
Visits: Badia di San Gemolo, free admission.
The stage is all in the Campo dei Fiori park and is mostly on paths.
The numbers: 13.5 km with 552 metres of altitude difference.
Lunch: there are bars and small shops in the villages of Brinzio and Rasa, otherwise there are various refreshment facilities at Sacro Monte di Varese.
Overnight stay, dinner and breakfast: Hotel Sacro Monte with pilgrim’s dinner and breakfast included in the price.
Visits: The chapels of the ascent to Santa Maria del Monte, Pogliaghi Museum and Crypt (entrance with SpiritualTour ticket included in the price).
The stage passes through the town of Varese, Gazzada Schianno and Morazzone to enter the municipality of Castiglione Olona on the Caronno Corbellaro plain. From here we propose a variant to get directly to Gornate Superiore (1 km exactly) where the hostel is located.
The numbers: 21 km with 223 m of altitude difference.
Lunch: we recommend refuelling via the centre of Varese.
Overnight stay, dinner and breakfast: Pilgrim hostel in Castiglione Olona with a pilgrim’s dinner 200 m from the hostel. Breakfast can be taken at your own expense in the centre of Castiglione Olona.
Visits: Giardini Estensi Varese, in Castiglione Olona: Palazzo Branda and Collegiata (entrance with SpiritualTour ticket included in the price).
The stage runs almost entirely in the Olona Valley where there is a cycle path surrounded by greenery. At the end of the cycle path there are three km to Castellanza and from here 2.5 km off the track to arrive at the pilgrim’s welcome.
The numbers: 24.5 km with 44 metres of altitude difference.
Lunch: We recommend having a sandwich prepared at the Bistro in the centre of Castiglione, where you can also have breakfast.
Overnight stay, dinner and breakfast: Stoà youth centre. Bed linen is included. You can dine nearby, but the hostel has a fully equipped kitchen and by shopping along the way you have the opportunity to create a nice moment of sharing in the kitchen.
Visits: Monastery of Torba (entrance with SpiritualTour ticket included in the price).
The stage requires a variation of 2.5 km to return to the route in the middle of the Altomilanese park. A stretch of several kilometres through nature and then from Buscate it’s all asphalt all the way to Castelletto.
The numbers: 20 km with 0 m of altitude difference.
Lunch: there are bars and taverns in the village of Buscate, where you can get takeaway food and have your lunch break at Villa Annoni surrounded by greenery.
Overnight stay, dinner and breakfast: La scala di Giacobbe. You can dine nearby, but the hostel has a fully equipped kitchen where you can cook together, sharing a nice moment in company. Breakfast is included.
Visits: Villa Annoni in Cuggiono, free admission.
The stage runs all along the Naviglio Grande and the first section of the Bereguardo canal. Numerous villages with bars and shops are encountered. In order Bernate Ticino, Boffalora sopra Ticino, Robecco sul naviglio, Cassinetta di Lugagnana and Abbiategrasso. The end of the stage is at Caselle, two kilometres before Morimondo.
The numbers: 21.5 km with 0 m of altitude difference.
Lunch:
Overnight, dinner and breakfast: Trattoria Caselle. Bed linen and towels are included. Pilgrim’s dinner and breakfast.
Visits: Palazzo Archinto in Robecco and Morimondo Abbey (entrance with SpiritualTour ticket included in the price).
The entire stage runs along the Bereguardo canal. From Caselle you return to the towpath and then make a one-kilometre change to Morimondo, a true masterpiece along the way. From here to Bereguardo you encounter nothing. No possible refreshment points or drinking fountains.
The numbers: 16 km with 0 m of altitude difference.
Lunch: We recommend having a delicious sandwich prepared in the grocery shop just outside the Abbey, with home-made cold cuts.
Overnight stay, dinner and breakfast: Trattoria La pesa. Bed linen and towels, pilgrim’s dinner and breakfast are included.
Visits: Bereguardo Castle, free entrance.
The stage runs through the Pavia countryside. You will come across Sanvarese and Torre d’Isola where there are several bars and shops. The last three kilometres run alongside the Ticino river and lead directly to the covered bridge. From there another 1.5 km to the basilica of San Pietro in ciel d’oro, which is the final point of the walk and where you take the testimonium.
The numbers: 16 km with 0 m of altitude difference.
Lunch: given the short stage it is advisable to set off fairly early and have lunch in Pavia, where there is also a pilgrim’s restaurant in Piazza della Vittoria.
Visits: the city centre, the cathedral, the basilica of San Pietro in ciel d’oro (delivery of the Testimonium).
420€ per person
for groups of 10 people
On your departure you will be given your credentials, guidebook and tickets for the visits. On arrival, the Testimonium of the Via Francisca will be waiting for you.
THE LUCOMAGNO VIA FRANCISCA – WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR RUCKSACK
Despite the few stages, it is preferable to wash your T-shirt and underwear every day so that you do not have to carry extra weight. It is not necessary to carry a sleeping bag or sack.
2 technical T-shirts
1 cotton T-shirt
Underwear
A light sweatshirt
Shorts for the night
Microfibre towel (dries quickly)
A kway or cape
A small bottle of shampoo, we are often in hotels
A small amount of washing up liquid, 4 clothes pegs, two safety pins to put on the backpack
Backpack cover for rain
Telephone cable and battery backup if necessary
Medicine and Compeed
Sun cream and mosquito repellent
Face mask
SHOES
The route has no mountain paths apart from the short stretch between Ganna and Brinzio. We therefore recommend light shoes and not boots. It will depend on the weather to choose a spare pair, but sandals may be sufficient.
Waiting for programming…
A path that surprises you. A mix of nature, art and history. A simple route that retains all the charm of ancient pilgrimage routes. The greatest wonder is to see people walking along it. I have done it twice and both times it was a remarkable experience.
A surprising path! I, who live on the route, was not aware of how rich the area around me was, so it was quite a surprise. Recommended for everyone!
A route of great historical, cultural and natural interest, characterised by the element of water, which leads the walker to discover the peculiarities of the Lombard territory, from the mirror of Lake Lugano to Pavia, a crossroads of paths, along rivers and navigable canals.
The Via Francisca is a perfect mix of history, art, culture and nature. Easy and short, with easy stages, it allows the walker to discover and enjoy the beauty of our territory. Enjoy your walk!
SpiritualTour
