Thermal spa along the Via Francigena in Lombardy

1 March 2022

By travelling along the Via Francigena, a trotter will inevitably discover milliards of monuments, traditions, amazing cuisine and find new friends, but not only. Walking along the Italian stretch a pilgrim will surely enjoy thermal springs, located just along the route.  

The Lombard stretch of the Via Francigena is just over 100 kilometers and crosses the territories of the provinces of Lodi and Pavia. This route is particularly rich in history, culture, art, and natural wonders thanks to the presence of many churches, churches, convents, castles, and eighteenth-century villas. 

When the Francigena enters the territory of Lodi, pilgrims can follow two routes: the first that involves crossing the river Po by boat, as did legendary Archbishop Sigeric on his journey back from Rome, and the other one on foot along the riverbank, crossing the Po on the bridge that leads to Piacenza. 

In Lombardy a must stop is Miradolo Terme. Here you are on the stage 15 of the Italian stretch, walking from Santa Cristina e Bissone to Orio Litta, an easy leg of 16 kilometers. Miradolo Terme lays just in the middle of the stretch, down the Banine hills towards the breath-taking view of the Oltrepò Pavese area. Here you enjoy surrounding landscapes known for their green fields and vineyards. 

The Miradolo thermal springs are supplied by the water of five different hot springs, named Fonte Cà de Rho, Fonte Saline Santa Maria, Fonte Archetto, Fonte San Pietro and Fonte Vittoria. These hot springs were known since the 10th century, having served for salt extraction, refreshment and therapeutic treatments. Their thermal waters of volcanic origin, rich in sulphur, iodine, calcium, magnesium, and sulphate, are particularly indicated against gastrointestinal, dermatological, otorhinolaryngologic, rheumatological and vascular diseases.  

After a relaxing bath, a pilgrim will enjoy a glass of locally grown wine San Colombano D.O.C. and having a meal with peas before proceeding to Orio Litta on the way to Rome. 

As Mayor of Orio Litta, I am increasingly convinced of the importance of supporting and promoting the project of development of the Via Francigena, a unique opportunity to allow the historical-cultural and artistic heritage present in our small town, to be included in a European network of slow and sustainable tourism certainly able to produce positive results for the local economy,” – comments Francesco Ferrari, mayor of Orio Litta