Via Matildica del Volto Santo

Via Matildica
del Volto Santo

on the way to Rome
in the Jubilee year

Let's go !

The Via Matildica del Volto Santo is a route nearly 300 kilometers long. It crosses 3 regions, 4 provinces, dozens of municipalities, and many communities. A path rich in history, culture, spirituality, and nature. From Mantua and the Po Valley, passing through Reggio and the Matildic Hills, crossing the Apennine ridge to reach the Garfagnana, and finally arriving in Lucca — a destination or a stopover for those heading to Rome along the Via Francigena.

1 > Mantova – San Benedetto (26,1 km)
2 > San Benedetto – Guastalla (35,6 km)
3 > Guastalla – Reggio Emilia (31,3 km)
4 > Reggio Emilia – Canossa (27,1 km)
5 > Canossa – Carpineti (27,8 km)
6 > Carpineti – Toano (19,9 km)
7 > Toano – Gazzano (17,5 km)
8 > Gazzano – San Pellegrino (22,4 km)
9 > San Pellegrino – Barga (32,7 km)
10 > Barga – Borgo a Mozzano (18,5 km)
11 > Borgo a Mozzano – Lucca (30,1 km)

VARIANTS

4B > Reggio Emilia – Montalto (21,8 km)
5B > Montalto – Carpineti (21,6 km)
7B > Toano – Gazzano (variant Modena) | 18,8 km
8b > Gazzano – S. Pellegrino (var. winter) | 17,3 km

The Via Matildica del Volto Santo can also be traveled by bicycle, accommodating different cycling styles: mountain biking, gravel riding, and cycle touring. For each type, we have mapped out a route that partly follows the walking path and partly diverges to facilitate progress and enhance the experience. In all cases, the end-of-stage locations of the walking route are always included.

Discover how to travel the Via Matildica by bicycle.

The Via Matildica as an “accessible path” is a difficult but necessary challenge. On a route that crosses the Apennine ridge in a beautiful and “wild” natural setting, the task is demanding.

We have tried to identify some routes that are feasible for those with different needs, both in terms of mobility and accommodation. It is a work in progress that requires time and awareness, step by step.

The page dedicated to accessibility.

Walking together is a fun and educational experience, especially for younger people.

A walk in large groups (15 members or more) requires greater organizational effort compared to walking alone or with a few friends.

Accommodation and logistics require timely identification of suitable solutions.

As the Via Matildica del Volto Santo Association, we strive to provide you with useful information and contacts.

Go to the groups page.

It is possible to divide the journey along the Via Matildica del Volto Santo into several sections, for example following the traditional and territorial division: the “Way of the Most Precious Blood” from Mantua to Reggio, the “Way of Saint Pellegrino” from Reggio to San Pellegrino in Alpe, and the “Way of the Holy Face” from San Pellegrino to Lucca.

NOTICES AND UPDATES
ON THE TRACK

On a journey of nearly 300 kilometers, with a remarkable and unique variety of landscapes and terrains (from 19 meters above sea level in Mantua to almost 1,700 meters at the Giovarello Pass), it is always advisable to check for any route updates before setting off or along the way.
You can also easily report any issues along the route to help other pilgrims.

Pilgrim Credential

The Credential of the Via Matildica del Volto Santo, also known as the Pilgrim’s Passport, is the official document that certifies the journey undertaken and distinguishes the Pilgrim from the occasional traveler. The Credential is personal and numbered.

With the Credential, pilgrims are entered into the Annual Register of Pilgrims of the Via Matildica del Volto Santo.