All About Lunigiana
History
 The
first known settlings of the Val di Magra took place a thousand or so
years before Christ. The standing carved stone stelae or statue-menhirs
found in the area attest to the earlier culture; we call them the Ligui-Apuani
but don't know much more than they raised cattle. You can see originals
of these statues at the six room Piagnaro Museum in the Castello del Pianaro,
Pontremoli. The name Lunigiana is thought to have come from the Roman
settlement at Luni, which is now actually outside the boundaries of modern
Lunigiana. You can visit the ruins there, which date from 177 B.C.
The Val di Magra fell under Byzantine rule in
the early middle ages, when Luni was the base for the Byzantine fleet
which had its main port in the Island of Sardinia. The Longobards came
in 643, then from the tenth century, Luni hosted a bishop installed by
Emperor Otto I.
From the 12th century power settled into three
divisions, the north, dominated by the prosperous town of Pontremoli,
the centre, dominated by the Malaspina family cantered in their castle
at Oramala, and the south, ruled by the Genovese republic. In 1306 Dante
Alighieri, after his exile from Florence, received refuge and protection
in Lunigiana. Today the Lunigiana is a borderland between the north of
Italy and the rest of Tuscany, olive trees and grapevines mingle with
chestnut and beech trees. Pristine medieval villages, seldom visited,
are waiting to be explored as are the 100 castles that dot the area.
 Nature
and the Environment
There are numerous regional parks and nature reserves to discover in
the Lunigiana, here is a selection:
Val di Magra
Val di Magra (Magra Valley) has been described as the boundary between
Liguria and Tuscany. However the valley and its inhabitants have their
own unique identity and traditions. Over millions of years the Magra River
has shaped this landscape, being a common feature in the various panoramas
across the region. Following the course of the river one travels from
the medieval village of Ameglia on the coast to the mountain town of Pontremoli,
you pass from the luxurious sands of Tuscan beaches to the jagged peaks
of the Alpi Apuane, en route travelling through a green and uncontaminated
natural landscape. If you don't like swimming in the sea, you can in the
Magra river, one of the cleanest of all Italian rivers; until a few kilometres
from its mouth it doesn't cross any industrial center.
Montemarcello-Magra
The Natural Park of Montemarcello-Magra embraces the hills that divide
the Golfo della Spezia from the Magra and the Vara river (Magra's main
tributary) up to Ponte Santa Maria. Stretching from Punta Bianca, the
evocative southern end of the Caprione promontory, to the green valley
of the Vara river, the Park encompasses 3,660 hectares of land rich in
history and nature, and it sprawls over 16 different municipalities:
Ameglia, Arcola, Beverino, Bolano, Borghetto Vara, Brugnato, Calice al
Cornoviglio, Carro, Carrodano, Follo, Lerici, Rocchetta Vara, Santo Stafano
Magra, Sarzana, Sesta Godano and Vezzano Ligure
Apuane Alps
The Alpi Apuane Park mountain range in north western Tuscany, expands
for 60 km along the Tyrrhenian sea coast in the Versilia, Lunigiana and
Garfagnana areas. The area is a huge ecosystem and the Alpi Apuane marble,
a high quality limestone exported all over the world derives from here.
The Apuane mountains consist of Monte Pisanino, surrounded by the sharp
summits of Pizzo d’Uccello, Monte Grondilice and Monte Roccandagia
to name but a few. The Apuane Alpi is a complex mountain range; with several
series of very striking caverns with underground streams and amazing stalactites
as well as stalagmites.
 Parco
San Rossore
This Park was established, between the District of Pisa and Lucca, with
the aim of protecting natural, environmental and historical resources
of this special part of the coast, by promoting scientific research and
education. The Estate is about 23.000 hectares along 32 kilometres of
beach in the Municipalities of Pisa, S Giuliano Terme, Vecchiano, Massarosa
and Viareggio.
Parco Orecchiella
The Orecchiella Park stretches to the north to Monte Prado and Monte Vecchio
which mark the Appennine border between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna. The
Beech forests provide an amazing landscape that is common along this part
of Appennine range. Large grassland and rocky faces with precipices on
narrow gorges (typical habitat for birds of prey) are also present. The
Park includes a huge upland as well, lying west of Pania di Corfino and
between the Corte and Corfino river valleys. Beech, chestnut and oak woods
are spread all over the park and, in the undergrowth, blueberries abound.
The huge grasslands are rich in juniper, broom and the wild rose. The
animal species that live in this park are: birds of pray, squirrels, wild
boars, deer and many others.
There are other nature reserves which join the region
to the Emilia Romagna, probably the most notable is Parco Gigante, in
the heart of the Apeninnes.
Read
More about the Protected area's of Lunigiana
Towns
to Visit in the Lunigiana
 Pontremoli
Pontremoli was founded 2,000 years ago in the Roman Era, as military and strategic outpost along the way to the Northern Italy, to control the Cisa Pass on Apennine Mountains. The road the pass was named "Via Francigena" (it means that leads to France), and was one of the the main Pilgrim's routes to Rome. The town conserves its medieval look, some Gates, towers and the panoramic Castle of Piagnaro, built on the hill dominating the town and the still used medieval bridges. Due to the low altitude and the nearness to the sea, winter is mild and summer is not too much hot: the nights are always fresh.
 Bibola
Characteristic hamlet with castle which remains partly in ruins. The village dates from Roman times and is noted for the number of passageways with vaulted stone roofs that circumnavigate the castle. Bibola has wonderful panoramas of the Alpi Apuane to one side and the Apennines to the other.
Filattiera
Filattiera has been known since Roman times, where it was an important
junction between Luni, Lucca, and northern Italy. It was the centre of
fortifications that protected the important port of Luni from Longobard
attacks. At the entrance to Filattiera is the 14th century Malspina castle
can be admired.
The Marble Quarries of Carrera
The scenic mountain road from Castelnouvo di Garfagnana winds it way up
into the Alpi Apuane. Past places such as the old medieval centre of Isola
Sant and Arni, to the Passo Vestito. For a beautiful descent down the
mountains and past huge quarries, and villages to Massa. Then onto Carrara
and up into the mountains again for a closer look at marble production
and a quarry tour. There are huge caverns to be seen, there is a museum
on marble production too. We see sculptors at work, and have the chance
to purchase some marble artifacts.
 Bagnone
Bagnone is one of the prettiest villages in the centre of Lunigiana. Topped
by a fortress with the typical round tower of Lunigiana, the castle began
to lose its defensive function when Bagnone became part of the Florentine
republic in 1471. During the renaissance the city expanded with many fine
palaces, churches and squares. From the lower town, take the bridge and
follow the path up to the castle, it's a wonderful walk. Afterwards you
can stop in the village below to have a bite to eat while enjoying the
view.
Villafranca
Villafranca, a small town in the middle of the Magra Valley, mentioned
in Dante’s Divine Comedy it is less than half an hour by car to
the marvellous Golfo della Spezia where you can admire the Cinque Terre
with charming fishing villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza
and Monterosso). At the nearby Byzantine town of Filetto, built to the
square plan of a Roman Castrum, the first and second Sundays of August
are devoted to medieval cultural events featuring banquets where the locals
appear in traditional costume.
Podenzana
The castle is the centre piece of this small town, and along with Aulla,
are pretty much the only two places where you can eat the traditional
panigacci, traditional flat breads.
 Aulla
Most of the town of Aulla was bombed during the second world war, but
the Brunella fortress looks down upon the town. It is now the seat of
the Lunigiana Natural History Museum.
Fivizzano
For almost four hundred years Fivizzano was titled the "corner of
Florence" as a symbol of Florence's domination of the region. Fivizzano
was an epicentre ofthe
Resistance in the Lunigiana, it remains one of the more interesting of
Lunigiana cities. The Verucola castle is nearby.
Fosdinovo
 Fosdinovo has a well-preserved fairytale castle, mentioned as early as
1084, which rises majestically above the village below.
Equi Terme
Interesting hamlet and gateway to the Apuanian Alps Regional Park. Also
worth visiting are the Prehistoric grottos and the famous thermal spa.
Carrara
 Marble comes from here and you can visit many of the workshops and marble
mills in Carrara. Marble has been quarried here since the second century
B.C. You can hire a guide to visit the quarries. If you're around Carrara
(actually the town of Resceto) at the beginning of August, you might want
to visit La Lizzatura, the marble quarrying festival. When asked what
the cheapest material one can use for a kitchen worktop in the Lunigiana,
the answer is "marble, of course!"
Fairs and Festivals
In Bagnone, every Sunday in October you can enjoy chestnut
and mushroom festivals and wash everything down with local wine. There
is also a Christmas Market, the Mostra Mercato di Natale in the second
week of December. Filetto, in the second two weeks of August, has a Medieval
Market. You banquet in medieval style, the old artisan shops are reopened
and the entire village goes back in time and history. The festivities
feature performances and dances that involve all the inhabitants, who
are dressed for the occasion with typical medieval costumes. Pietrasanta
has a Mercato d'antiquariato, antiques market on the first Sunday of every
month. Pontremoli hosts a famous Fiera del Libro, book fair in July and
August. Marina di Carrara hosts "L'arte nella strada" at the
end of July. Villafranca hosts the Mostra Mercato Medievale (Medieval
Market) in August. Massa puts on the Giornate Numismatiche e Filateliche
massesi, a coin and stamp show in the middle of October. Fivizzano hosts
the Fiera di San Martino e del vino nuovo, honouring San Martino and the
new wine around the middle of November.
Markets and Shopping
Shopping in Italy can be a varied and rewarding experience
especially given the Italian reputation for stylish high-quality goods.
Not all shopping pleasure is confined to the big stores and chic boutiques
of course, there is plenty of pleasure to be had, and bargains to be sought
in the local antique and speciality markets.
Here are a few that you might like to try;
 Antique
Markets
Lucca The third Sunday of every month,
and the previous Saturday, in Piazza San Giusto and Piazza Antelminelli.
(On the last Saturday and Sunday of the month, in the same squares and
streets there is an arts and crafts market).
Barga 2nd Sunday of month.
Camaiore 2nd Sunday of month.
Pietrasanta 1st Sunday of month
Viareggio Last Sunday of month
Serravalle Pistoiese Last Sunday of
month
Weekly Markets
Weekly local markets are a wonderful source of local produce and provide
the perfect opportunity to experience Italian life and practice the language.
Lucca - Wednesday and Saturday a.m.
Bagni di Lucca - Wednesday and Saturday
a.m.
Barga - Saturday a.m.
Camaiore - Friday a.m.
Capannori - Friday a.m.
Castelnuovo Garfagnana - Thursday a.m.
Fornaci di Barga - Friday a.m.
Forte dei Marmi - Wednesday a.m.
Massarosa - Tuesday a.m.
Pietrasanta - Thursday a.m.
Torre Del Lago - Friday a.m.
Viareggio - Thursday a.m.
Food
Lunigiana is the triangle marking the border between
Tuscany. Liguria and Emilia and has always been crossed by pilgrims, traders
and merchants. The result is noticeable in the architecture, language
and food of the region.
From the three regions, Lunigiana has taken the best
of each such as pesto from Genova (a sauce made from pine nuts, garlic,
fresh basil and cheese) Testaroli are the pride of Lunigiana cuisine.
You will not find them anywhere else in Italy. They are made from a batter
of wheat flour, water and salt which is cooked in large cast iron pans
with lids. They form a sort of pancake which is then boiled and cut up
into small strips and is usually served with Pesto Panigacci is another
speciality of Lunigiana. Like Testaroli they are made of a batter but
one which is cooked in red hot clay dishes over an open fire. Panigacci
are then served as hot crispy pancakes which you then spread with soft
Stracchino cheese and fill with mixed cold meats such as Parma ham, salami
etc. The village of Podenzana is famous throughout Italy as the home of
Panigacci.
For pasta there are the famous Tortelli or Tortelloni
which are similar to ravioli but stuffed with ricotta (fresh goats cheese)
and spinach and served with parmesan cheese, fresh sage and melted butter.
You will see many stalls in the local fairs and indeed in many of the
local grocery shops a plump beige/brown mushroom in wicker baskets lined
with chestnut leaves. The inhabitants of Lunigiana look forward to the
beginning of the season when these funghi (mushrooms) begin to grow. They
are a great delicacy and expensive to buy. You will find them frequently
served in restaurants with pasta in a sauce or often with cream in a sauce
with meat. They are in fact the boletus edulis, Porcini in Italian. You
can buy them fresh or dried.
The cheeses, such as pecorino, are served in most of the restaurants or
sold in the grocers. Pecorino Toscana is particularly good. Other good
cheeses are gorgonzola with or without Mascarpone, Stracchino (creamy
cheese) and fresh Parmigiano.
A great part of Lunigiana is covered by chestnut woods
and chestnuts at one time constituted the local peoples livelihood before
and during the war. There are many local dishes where the main ingredient
is chestnut flour but the most popular is probably Pattona - a chestnut
batter cooked in clay dishes and served with ricotta and salami. Many
of the festivals held in the region will serve dishes based on chestnuts.
Wines
Although Lunigiana is not famous for its wines, most restaurants make
their own from grapes they collect from the South of Tuscany. Wine here
is of course really very reasonable to buy.
The area of Lunigiana is surrounded by well-known vineyards. To the south
is Chianti, which produces the most famous wines of Italy; other Tuscan
wines worth a try include Vernaccia, Aleatica, Brunello di Montalcino
and Nobile di Montepulciano. The Cinque Terre produce pleasant dessert
wines such as Sciacchetra.
Walking
Walking in Tuscany and especially walking in the Lunigiana
area of Tuscany, combines the best of all possible worlds. Pure air, stunning
scenery, fine weather and, at the end of the day, robust local food and
wine to feed the body and satisfy the soul.
There are literally hundreds of miles of footpaths and
hiking trails in the area ranging from arduous high level walks to sedate
paths between villages. Most of the tracks are well maintained and are
clearly marked with distinctive red and white stripes painted on walls
and rocks. To combine walking and a visit to some of the most beautiful
and spectacular coastal scenery in Italy take a trip to the Cinque Terre.
Here you can mix walking the cliff paths with short train rides between
the villages to create your own itinerary.
More serious walkers may want to try the Parco Alpi
Apuane where Mt. Pisanino rises to 1,945 metres or perhaps a drive along
the Taverone Valley and a lovely walk over the Lagastrello Pass.
 Skiing
The resorts that are local to Lunigiana:
Cerreto Laghi
Abetone
Febbio
Zum Zeri
In winter we suggest ski fans to make an excursion to Passo dei due Santi
near the ski station of Zum Zeri. There are six kilometres of slopes,
the longest being just under a kilometre and vary from easy to difficult.
Horse riding is also on offer at the resort. In terms of altitude it is
quite low (1,600 m) in comparison to other resorts such as Abetone, so
it is advisable to wait for a heavy snow fall before enjoying a days skiing.
The best months for skiing are January and February.
The resort is about 20 kilometres away from Pontremoli towards Valli dello
Zerasco
Golf
Golf in Tuscany is one of life's joys. The mild climate, the naturally
varied ground and spectacular landscape combine to create a golfing experience
that is always a pleasure and often challenging. In Tuscany you can play
in all seasons and the clubs are regularly open all year. The choice of
venue is varied, from the wonderful country club in Punta Ala to the supreme
course of Ugolino, located at the gates of Florence on the Chianti hills.
Many courses are in or near tourist resorts some, but not all, are located
near the sea.
You will notice that many courses also have swimming pools and tennis
courts and make a wonderful venue for a family day out.
 Beaches
Many beaches in Italy are privately owned and you have to pay to use
them. However, there are also many public beaches, which are free of charge.
Some beaches have sports facilities such as water skiing and dinghy sailing,
others may be a simple rocky cove. As a general guide the beaches from
Marinella di Sarzana southwards to Viareggio are sandy, those further
north through the Golfo della Spezia and on through the Cinque Terre,
tend to be rocky. Levanto is a small seaside resort with a wide curving
beach with both public and pay-to-use areas offering a variety of water
sports. This is one of the rare spots in Italy for surfing thanks to the
long waves that ripple in the gulf. Immediately to the south of Levanto
are the famous five fishing villages of the Cinque Terre which are (from
the north) Monterosso, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Corniglia and Manarola.
The northernmost of the villages, (Monterosso) has the best long beach
with both private and public sections.
Getting there
Lunigiana is easily accessed by road, rail, or air. Three major airports
at Pisa, Genova and Parma serve the area and all are within easy driving
distance on good motorways. The nearest airport is Pisa. By road take
the A12 north towards Genova, then take the A15 towards Parma exit at
Aulla, journey time is approximately 1hr from Pisa Airport.
|
Why
choose Lunigiana ?
