DAY 57 - MASSA to CAMAIORE - 16 June 2026

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We followed the Via Francigena up through the old town and underneath the fortress, finding some lovely artwork on the walls.  We were then on a road with a footpath, until we turned off through quieter villages. Since we've been on the VF we've been able to find water fountains in most villages, very handy so we don't have to carry too much water.

Our main climb for the day was on a quiet road,  with the occasional numbered artwork. There were great views of the Ligurian coast on the way up and at the top.  There was also a little fortress, but the VF bypassed it.

Descending, there were pilgrim rest areas. As we got further down, the road became more built up and at a crossroad we met our first pilgrims on the VF, a couple from Brazil. Our paths continued to overlap throughout the day with a chat each time.

We crossed a bridge then followed a canal down.  Alongside the canal we saw some marble being cut at one of the factories. Soon we were into Pietrasanta, city of art, and found statues everywhere. Two of them were life-size statues of children on devices,  with the warning that too much screen time is bad for children. Many of the shops were closed for a day of mourning,  after two young residents were killed in a scooter accident on holiday on Elba. We shared a couple of sandwiches and a pizza for lunch.

After Pietrasanta the path took rural roads and tracks, with some ascent and descent, through farming land.  We finished the walk alongside a canal, sharing the path with locals out walking or playing with their dogs.
Typical of today's scenery - small village set amongst the hills
Massa
Uphill out of Massa
Looking back on Massa
The rewards of a good climb - wonderful views over the northern Tuscan and southern Ligurian coastlines and the Ligurian Sea 
Onwards on the Via Francigena towards Pietrasanta 
Via Francigena sign pointing the way
Still in marble country
Looks like a bit of a climb. There's often a bit of climbing.
Walking alongside the olives
An inspirational roundabout statue on the way to Pietrasanta 
Pietrasanta is famous for its street art. This giant frame stands at the entrance to the main pedestrian street. 
Street art in Pietrasanta 
More examples of Pietrasanta street art
Other highlights of Pietrasanta 
The Via Francigena on from Pietrasanta 
A welcome off-road path
A fellow walker on the Via Francigena 
Looking down towards Camaiore
A pleasant canal-side path leading to Camaiore 
Camaiore 
Bits and pieces 
Birds
Day 57 - Map

Day:                               57
Distance:                      25.86 km
Walking time:               5 hrs 20 mins
Elevation gain:             416 metres
Cumulative distance:  1164.81 km

Comments

  1. Anonymous18 June 2026 at 07:27

    Today’s birds: Italian Sparrow I think, Barn Swallow, Hooded Crow, Mallard, Italian Sparrow, Little Egret but grey appearance is confounding.. maybe lighting/shadow??, Little Egret, Eurasian Magpie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Barkers19 June 2026 at 05:51

    Thanks Murray!

    ReplyDelete

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