• 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

Churches Monza

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

Way of St. Peter Martyr

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

Il Cammin Breve

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

A stay in Lombardy's tranquil monasteries

Relax, study and pray in the convents, abbeys, and monasteries of Lombardy: four enchanting destinations
  • Religious Tourism

From Maiano Sant'Angelo Lodigiano to Ca' de Mazzi

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

Via Francigena Renana

A Roman road between Reno and Po
Via Francigena renana, a roman way between the Rhine and the Po
  • Religious Tourism

Hospitality, monastery-style

Convents and monasteries places historically open to hospitality
Stay the night in a Lombardy monastery
  • Religious Tourism

La Strada Cluniacense della Franciacorta

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

Via Francisca del Lucomagno

A historical route that extends from Constance to Pavia and then joins the Via Francigena to Rome
Ponte Coperto di Pavia
  • 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

Candle production in Lombardy’s monasteries

Laboratories and purchases of candles in the Lombardy monasteries
The monasteries of Lombardy are producing and selling their own candles
  • Religious Tourism

Cammini della Regina

Percorsi storici da Coira a Como
Camini della Regina, religious itineraries from Coira to Como
  • Religious Tourism

Lecco: Places and Streets of Faith

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

Orio Litta and the Via Francigena

An evocative route that combines nature, faith and art, to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Orio Litta and the Via Francigena
  • Religious Tourism

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
Sotto il Monte - John XXVIII
  • Religious Tourism

La via degli Abati

A route rich in history and tradition that runs through a land of utterly unique landscapes, unchanged over time
  • 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

The Way of the Monks

From Milan to Via Francigena, through the Po. The Way passes through three protected parks, a WWF oasis, monasteries and abbeys
  • 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