Filetto, an ancient village in the municipality of Villafranca in Lunigiana and crossed by the Via Francigena, carries in its structure and name traces of its Byzantine origins. The name derives from the Greek Fulacterion, meaning "fortified village." Its quadrangular layout, typical of late antique foundations, preserves ancient perpendicular streets and Renaissance additions, 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 17th century, the fief passed to the Ducal Chamber of Milan and later to the Ariberti family of Cremona, who contributed significantly to the village’s development. 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 17th-century walls, the famous Selva di Castagni (Chestnut Grove) surrounds the Oratory of San Genesio. This sacred area, where eleven Stele Statues and two imposing Menhir have been found, has long been considered a spiritual site. The oratory itself draws both devotees and tourists, especially during the historic fair held annually on August 25. In the past, this fair focused on livestock and courtship traditions—lovers would gift birds as symbols of their engagement. Today, the fair beneath the chestnut trees is a lively summer event featuring music, local crafts, and tastings of traditional Lunigiana specialties.
