In the village of Montelungo, not far from the Cisa Pass, ancient pilgrims were already being hosted as early as the 8th century, as evidenced by the presence of a chapel with an adjoining xenodochium, where travellers passing along the Via di Monte Bardone, or Via Francigena, could find shelter, comfort, and rest. Unfortunately, nothing remains of these ancient structures, mentioned in historical sources; the current church dates back to the mid-16th century and has been renovated multiple times. Inside, it houses a recently restored 1858 pipe organ, the only one of its kind in all of Lunigiana, signed by Francesco Bossi, from one of Italy’s oldest and most renowned dynasties of organ builders, active since the 16th century.

On the church’s facade, a plaque with a bronze bust commemorates Monsignor Luigi Rosa, who was born in Montelungo in 1883 and later died in Bagnoregio, where he served as a bishop.

In 1833, the parish of St. Benedict in Montelungo counted 285 inhabitants, but the 1881 census recorded as many as 466, although a large portion had emigrated from Italy in search of better opportunities.