The Cisa Pass is one of the most important mountain passes in the Northern Apennines. Positioned at an altitude of 1041 metres above sea level, on the watershed between the Val di Magra and Val Taro, it separates the provinces of Massa Carrara in Tuscany and Parma in Emilia-Romagna.

Already frequented in Roman times, as evidenced by recent archaeological finds near the nearby Sella del Valoria, it became a structured and strategic crossing point during the Early Middle Ages, known as Monte Bardone, the Mountain of the Lombards. The foundation of the Abbey of St. Moderanno in Berceto by the Lombard King Liutprando, the presence of a xenodochium (a place of rest and hospitality for pilgrims) dedicated to St. Benedict just below the pass near Montelungo, the itinerary of Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury on his return from Rome around 990 AD, and the numerous subsequent passages of emperors and notable figures, all undoubtedly attest to the centrality of Passo della Cisa throughout the centuries.

The construction of the current carriage road was initiated by Napoleon in 1808 and later continued under the orders of Maria Luigia of Parma until its completion in 1859.

On the pass today stands the Santuario della Madonna della Guardia, patroness of all athletes. The church was built between 1919 and 1922 at the top of a striking staircase. Behind it, the Porta della Via Francigena Toscana is clearly visible, marking the entrance for modern pilgrims to the stage that descends from the pass towards Pontremoli.