• Religious Tourism
    • Art & Culture
    • Active & Green

Corte Sant'Andrea and the Via Francigena

Discover the landscape, gastronomy and cultural heritage that surround the Lodi stretch of the Via Francigena, connecting Corte Sant'Andrea to Orio Litta.

 

A popular route for tourists and pilgrims alike, the Via Francigena attracts numerous visitors from all over the world. In Corte Sant’Andrea, a hamlet of Senna Lodigiana, lies the ancient ford used by pilgrims travelling from Lombardy to Rome. We have put together an in-depth analysis of the history and traditions of this pilgrimage route.

The Via Francigena and UNESCO
The Via Francigena is a well-travelled pilgrimage route connecting Italy, Switzerland, France and England. This sacred road, which rivals the famous Camino de Santiago, is a testament to the journey taken by Sigeric, the Archbishop of Canterbury, on his way to Rome in 990. Seven of the Italian regions traversed by the Via Francigena have therefore applied to have this important route listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Deeply rooted in history, these fascinating places are well worth a visit.

Music, art and food along the Via Francigena
To celebrate the landscape, gastronomy and cultural heritage that surround the Lodi stretch of the Via Francigena, the Compagnia di Sigerico Laudense has created a unique event: the Pilgrim Festival (Ultreya!). In recent years, the initiative has been held in mid-September between Corte Sant'Andrea and Orio Litta, combining moments of prayer with art exhibitions, concerts (usually at the Grangia Benedettina) and tasting of typical Lodi cuisine.

What does Ultreya mean?
Derived from Latin, the world Ultreya literally means "onward". This historic term of encouragement is still used by pilgrims, and is answered with the expression "Et suseia" ("let's go higher"). Some historians, however, believe this word is an alternative form of "Alleluia", used to express the joy of having reached their goal.

Discover Corte Sant’Andrea
The hamlet of Corte Sant'Andrea, the location of the event, has plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. This small settlement, protected from the Po by a high embankment, was recognised by the Archbishop of Canterbury as an important river crossing. After passing through the entrance arch, you will find a long row of houses and shops leading towards the river, the Church of Sant'Andrea on the main square, and several charming courtyards. Corte Sant'Andrea is a well-known stop for pilgrims making their way between Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. In fact, travellers can still use its ford—sometimes called the Sigeric Ford—to cross the Po River, giving them access to the Piacenza section of the Via Francigena.

For more information, see www.compagniadisigericolaudense.it

On the same topic

Cammino di Sant'Agostino

Retracing the Way of one of the most important figures of history will give an important new dimension to your awareness of life
  • Religious Tourism
Cammino di Sant'Agostino

Lecco: Places and Streets of Faith

The province of Lecco, a treasure trove of faith and culture
  • Religious Tourism
Lecco: Luoghi e Vie della Fede

Churches Lodi

Discovering the places of worship of the Lodi area. To fill the spirit between faith and religious art
  • Religious Tourism
Churches Lodi, exploring Lombardy

The pilgrim’s dinner: medieval cookery in Morimondo

A lunch inspired by medieval cuisine with a seasonal menu
  • Religious Tourism
Traditional flavours at the Abbazia di Morimondo

Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII

It is located in the area called Isola Bergamasca and is now a destination for pilgrimages linked to the figure of Angelo GIuseppe Roncalli
  • Religious Tourism
Sotto il Monte - John XXVIII

La Via Matildica del Volto Santo

A great route of faith and culture
  • Religious Tourism
La Via Matildica del Volto Santo

Lodi, places of spirit

Lodi’s network of cycle paths has reached the formidable length of nearly 250 kilometres, making it a veritable paradise for lovers of slow tourism
  • Religious Tourism
Lodi luoghi dell'anima

From Maiano Sant'Angelo Lodigiano to Ca' de Mazzi

An alternative route for the Fourth Stage of the Monk’s Trail
  • Religious Tourism
From Maiano Sant'Angelo Lodigiano to Ca' de Mazzi

The monk’s pantry: where to indulge your tastebuds

Guide for gourmands in the monasteries of Lombardy
  • Religious Tourism
A gluttonous guide to the monasteries of Lombardy

Corte Sant'Andrea and the Via Francigena

Follow the Via Francigena through Lodi to discover a world of history and tradition
  • Religious Tourism
Corte Sant'Andrea and the Via Francigena

Church Varese

From the Sacro Monte of Varese to the hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a spiritual path made of artistic and landscape beauties
  • Religious Tourism
Church Varese, what to see

Churches Pavia

The wonders of faith and the marvels of architecture in splendid religious buildings
  • Religious Tourism
Church Pavia, what to see

Churches Monza

A journey discovering the history of the territory through architecture and spirituality.
  • Religious Tourism
Churches Monza, exploring Lombardy

Churches Bergamo

Bergamo: a city with more beauties than you think. They are silent behind centuries-old facades of churches
  • Religious Tourism
Churches Bergamo, religious tourism

The Saint Columbanus way

The Saint Columbanus way is the route that,crossing the entire area of Eastern Lombardy, once led to Bobbio
  • Religious Tourism
The Saint Columbanus way

Churches Milan

Some are famous all over the world, others known only to a few, all of which hide great surprises of art and architecture
  • Religious Tourism
Churches Milan, itineraries

La Strada Cluniacense della Franciacorta

Walking among vineyards and hamlets Discovering the Cluniac Abbeys
  • Religious Tourism
La Strada Cluniacense della Franciacorta

Franciacorta wine produced in monasteries

Famous and loved all over the world, Franciacorta wines are the ideal companions of great occasions, parties and moments to remember
  • Religious Tourism
Discover the monasteries producing Franciacorta wine

Dom Perignon and Franciacorta

The strange story of the most famous wine in the world
  • Religious Tourism
The strange story of the most famous wine in the world

From Ca' de Mazzi to Corte Sant'Andrea

Stage 5 of the Monk’s trail
  • Religious Tourism
From Ca' de Mazzi to Corte Sant'Andrea