Andar per castelli: Calendasco lungo la via Francigena

Despite its importance, the castle of Calendasco (Piacenza) and the buildings nearby are neglected by the ‘pilgrims’ walking along the Via Francigena, because of their inaccessibility – as they are partly private and partly public but still under restoration - and a lacking circulation of studies. Furthermore, leg 16, the connection between Orio Litta, in Lombardy, in the province of Lodi, and Piacenza, passing throughout the place, has a relatively dull and dangerous part. Shortcuts are recommended to avoid the most trafficked segments. The small village and its architecture are thus bypassed. In the following paper, the case study is described and its strategic importance as one of the architectures of the defensive or offensive circle of the Emilian city is recalled. What was probably a disputed garrison should therefore be re-appreciated as such: that is considering the rarefied 'texture of castles' that dots this border area of the Po valley. For it to somehow return to being recognized by residents and travellers, it seems first of all helpful to reflect on its past. In the future, it will be to ideally reconstruct connections: authentic and feasible departure from the composed itinerary of the Francigena; opportunities for the more widespread development of this peripheral and neglected area.