Via Vandelli

Francesco III imposed as requirements that the road had to be ready in short time, with a low cost, requiring few maintenance works, it had to be completely paved, without high slopes and large enough to allow for the carriage to easily move on it, with railings to protect the passage in the dangerous spots.

The route had not to cross the territory of foreign reigns, such as Papal State, Republic of Lucca, Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

The road was provided with inns and staging posts all through its way, in order to allow for a safe and comfortable journey.

A postal service by horse was operating regularly for years, being able to complete the trip from Modena to Massa and return in one week.

The route designed and constructed in 1739 started in Modena and touches Montale, Torre Maina, San Dalmazio, Pavullo nel Frignano, Lama Mocogno, passes through the Fignola wood and close to Sasso Tignoso, reaching the Lagadello pass above 1600m msl.

After that, Via Vandelli leaves the Province of Modena and enters in Tuscany at San Pellegrino in Alpe, then Campori, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and Poggio.

Here Via Vandelli starts to climb Apuan Alps, from Vagli di Sopra and Arnetola valley, Tambura pass and down to Resceto, Canevara and finally Massa.

The variant from Sassuolo, climbs the hills in province of Modena, and meets the town of Varana Sassi and Serramazzoni before joining the previous route close to Pavullo nel Frignano.