Fornoli is situated between Villafranca and Aulla, along the SS62 of the Cisa. Its name perhaps derives from the Latin "Fornolum", small oven. In the Middle Ages it was important zone of passage on the Way Francigena, toward Luni and the coast. In fact, the church of Santa Maria of Groppofosco, the "Chiesaccia", with nearby a rural building, rest of an ancient hospital, it is situated near the Magra river, where in the middle Ages came the street from Lusuolo. The church is documented since the Xll century as place of standstill for pilgrims.
The church of the suburb is dedicated to San Michele. Fornoli is characterized by galleries and archivolts and the medieval bridge on the stream Carpena.