Filetto, an ancient village in the municipality of Villafranca in Lunigiana crossed by the Via Francigena, contains in its forms and in its name the Byzantine roots, derived from the Greek Fulacterion, which means "fortified village". Its quadrangular shape, typical of the late ancient foundations, preserves ancient perpendicular streets and Renaissance annexations, such as the picturesque Borgo degli Ariberti.
History and Feuds
From 1351, Filetto was part of the fief of Malgrate, under the rule of Bernabò Malaspina. In the seventeenth century, the feud passed to the Ducal Chamber of Milan and then to the Ariberti family of Cremona, which favored the development of the village. The Ariberti extended Filetto with a central street, a square and a stately palace next to the church of Saints Jacopo and Antonio, connected by elegant suspended bridges and arches.
The Selva di Castagni
Outside the seventeenth-century walls, the famous Selva di Castagni surrounds the oratory of San Genesio. La Selva, where eleven Stele Statues and two imposing Menhir statues have been found, is a place that has always been considered sacred. The oratory instead attracts devotees and tourists, especially for a historical fair, which is repeated on August 25 each year. In the past, the fair was dedicated to cattle and engagement, with lovers donating birds as a wedding promise. Today, the fair under the chestnut trees is a summer event with music, shopping and tasting of local delicacies.
