• Religious Tourism
    • Art & Culture
    • Active & Green

Corte Sant'Andrea and the Via Francigena

from IN-LOMBARDIA.IT

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

Show all

La Via Matildica del Volto Santo

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

The Easter rituals that bring Lombardy to life

Religious rites, centuries-old traditions, and folklore: this is how Lombardy is preparing for Easter
I riti di Pasqua che emozionano la Lombardia
  • Religious Tourism

Il Cammin Breve

A "brief" guide to 7 churches in the heart of Milan
  • Religious Tourism

Itinerario Linea Cadorna

The path of peace from a defensive line to a nature trail
Itinerario Linea Cadorna
  • Religious Tourism

Holy honey

A centuries-old tradition still alive in the abbeys
Where to buy honey made by monks in Lombardy
  • Religious Tourism

The churches and jubilee paths of Lombardy

  • Religious Tourism

Monks and beer cross paths in Monza and Buccinasco

Craft breweries in the monasteries of Lombardy
Craft beer brewing in the monasteries of Lombardy
  • Religious Tourism

Marian Way of the Alps

Discover the Western Path of the Way that passes through Marian places of worship in Valtellina
Shrine of Our Lady of Tirano
  • Religious Tourism

The Trail of the Giants

Variant of the second stage of the Monks' Way.
Variant 2nd stage Monks' Way.
  • Religious Tourism

Churches Brescia

The religious one is a richness for Brescia which is one of the Italian cities with the highest number of churches on its territory
Churches Brescia, what to see in Lombardy
  • Religious Tourism

The monk’s pantry: where to indulge your tastebuds

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

The via Francigena

A road travelled for centuries by pilgrims, who headed South and made enormous sacrifices to reach the goal of the longed-for eternal city.
Via Francigena
  • Religious Tourism

The Moraine Hill Walk

A 170 km-route to discover the historic and cultural roots of the provinces of Mantua and Brescia.
Parco del Mincio (MN)
  • Religious Tourism

The Via Spluga

The wonderful wilderness of the Spluga “sublime pass” and its route are in enclosed within a rugged and historically rich valley
  • Religious Tourism

From Milan to the Charterhouse of Pavia

The 25th day of the Saint Augustine's Way.
from Milan to Certosa di Pavia
  • Religious Tourism

Coira and the Historic Spluga Trail

Discover Coira and the historic Spluga Trail
  • Religious Tourism

Il Cammino di Santa Giulia

A treasure among treasures of this route: the monastery complex of Santa Giulia
Il Cammino di Santa Giulia
  • Religious Tourism

Churches in Lombardy

Great works of art are hosted in the churches in Lombardy. In fact, many sacred places are interesting for those who love cultural tourism
Churches in Lombardy, travel guide
  • Religious Tourism

Way of St. Peter Martyr

Fourth stage of the Via Francigena Renana
Way of St. Peter
  • Religious Tourism

Corte Sant'Andrea and the Via Francigena

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