On the edge of the historic village of Pontremoli stand the church and convent of the Capuchins, who settled in Pontremoli starting in the 1570s. The consecration of the church dates back to 1664, as remembered by a plaque still walled up in the choir. The presence of the communities of friars in Pontremoli was particularly decisive on the occasion of dramatic events such as the cholera epidemic of 1855. The original dedication to San Lorenzo is associated with that of the Immaculate Conception, a devotion dear to the Franciscan order. Church and convent largely maintain their original characteristics, inspired by Franciscan simplicity and poverty in accordance with the provisions of the Order. To adorn the main altar we find a remarkable altarpiece depicting the Virgin and Child in a glory of angels, venerated by Saints Lawrence, Francis and a donor, the work of the Florentine painter Jacopo Ligozzi (1547-1627). Since 2011 the church has housed the relics of San Pio di Pietrelcina.

The happy and evocative location of the San Lorenzo Martire Hospital in the premises of the former Capuchin Convent of Pontremoli makes it the ideal place to unwind in body and spirit after the tiring journey that from Berceto leads to Pontremoli, the first Tuscan stage of the road Francigena. Pontremoli and Lunigiana have been lands of passage for sovereigns, armies, merchants and pilgrims over the centuries and have always had the vocation of hospitality. The convent does its best to respond to the needs of pilgrims who, in ever increasing numbers, travel the roads of faith: the Via Francigena, the Via degli Abati and the Via del Volto Santo. Continuing the best Franciscan tradition, the convent, recently renovated, is able to ensure moments of authentic serenity and peace for pilgrims and groups of religious inspiration who will “knock” on its door.

photos: arch. Elia Santini