On a mountain summit in the small Apennines, between Parma and La Spezia, lies this beautiful medieval ruralhut. The ruralhut lies on the famous pilgrim route to Rome, named „Via Francigena“. The house has a rich history and was formerly part of a castle. The castle was not preserved. The house itself, that was built opposite the mountain, served as a toll house. The living area of the cottage rests on two antique basements with vaults. From the pantry with washing machine and dryer, a spiral staircase will bring you up to the living room. The living room disposes of, among others, an antique open fireplace, a sleeping corner sofa and a TV with DVD-player. The living room stands in open connection with a well equipped modern kitchen and dining room (former stable). From the living room, there is also a door to the enormous sun terrace with an outdoor pool and a door to the orchard and the shadowed terrace. Both terraces are entirely private and provided comfortable garden furniture for eating, sitting and sunbathing. Besides, from all terraces as much as from all windows and doors, you can enjoy a breathtaking view on the valley of Valdena. You can even see the river „Tarodine“ in the distance. On the top floor, there are two sleeping rooms, a corridor and a bathroom.

The ruralhut lies on the Via Francigena, an old pilgrims route that runs from Canterbury to Rome and goes trough France, Switzerland and Italy. This route was defined by the English archbishop Siegeric in the year 990. The final destination is the Vatican in Rome. In 2004, this route was declared an important cultural route by the European Council. Hiking maps are available at the tourist office in Borgotaro. The area surrounding the cottage is known for its mushrooms, which is massively visited by enthusiasts for the consumption of its mushrooms and chestnut trees. According to villagers, the chestnuts have helped them to survive during the war. In the cottage, you can find attributes to roast the chestnuts. While going for walks in the forest, or even in the orchard around the house you could come across foxes, wild boars, deers and badgers. The rivers Tardonie and Taro offer stunning views and provides some cooling off in the summer time. At the first bridge from the house, you can find a small waterfall, where you can swim. Nearby the house stands the Bratello-pass, that will bring you to Toscane through the forests (circa 40 minute by car). A visit to the coast of Liguria, the famous Chique Terre, is strongly recommended. Parking is really difficult there. The best way is to take the direct train from Borgotaro (8h45).