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CNA – Eastern Lunigiana
Description
A two-day trip to explore the ancient estates of the Land of a Hundred Castles.
Eastern Lunigiana takes its name from the ancient Roman city of Luni and is located in the Tuscan hinterland, just a few kilometers from the famous Cinque Terre and the coast of Massa and Carrara, yet it is a world apart: a corner of Tuscany that remains surprisingly authentic, nestled between the Apuan Alps andthe Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. For foreign travelers seeking an Italy off the beaten path, this region offers a mosaic of medieval villages, castles, unspoiled nature, and authentic cuisine rooted in rural tradition.
Since Roman times, Lunigiana has been a land of passage and a border region between Tuscany, Liguria, and Emilia: the Via Francigena—the ancient road connecting northern Europe to Rome—ran right through here, and today it can be traveled on foot or by bicycle through tranquil landscapes. This role as a crossroads is still reflected in its castles and Romanesque parish churches, as well as in villages such as Fivizzano, with its Renaissance architecture, or Pontremoli, an elegant town on the Magra River, which offer an atmosphere frozen in time.
Nature lovers will find hiking trails through chestnut forests, hilltop stone villages, and views that stretch from the Apennine peaks all the way to the sea on clear days. The area is also known for its stele statues, enigmatic prehistoric sculptures on display at the Museum of Stele Statues in Pontremoli, which bear witness to ancient civilizations that inhabited this land long before the Romans.
From a food and wine perspective, Lunigiana is the birthplace of the testarolo—one of Italy’s oldest types of pasta—as well as panigacci baked in traditional terracotta pans, and chestnuts, which are the main ingredient in local desserts and flours.
For those seeking an authentic, unhurried Italy that is still largely off the beaten path, Eastern Lunigiana is a treasure waiting to be discovered—ideal for experiential, high-quality tourism.
Our tour begins with a guided tour of Malaspina Castle in Monti, which overlooks the Taverone Valley, followed by a walk through the charming villages of Tavernelle, Taponecco, and Apella.
The next day, travel to Fivizzano to explore the historic center and the museum complex in the former Augustinian convent, with a stop at the Clementi Pharmacy to sample some China. The tour continues with a visit to the Verrucola Fortress, before heading to Pallerone Castle, famous for its mythological frescoes and restored hanging garden. Finally, the day concludes with a visit to the Abbey of San Caprasio in Aulla, a stop along the Via Francigena.
Stage: Massa Carrara
Arrival in the morning in Monti di Licciana and a tour of Malaspina Castle. It is located on the Via del Volto Santo, an ancient pilgrimage route that connected Lunigiana to Lucca. With its strategic location, the castle has dominated the Taverone Valley since the 11th century, controlling the trade routes leading to the Apennines via the Abbey of Linari; it remains to this day in the possession of the descendants of its first feudal lords. In the 16th century, Marquis Moroello Malaspina transformed it into a stately manor house, featuring marvelous vaulted ceilings and monumental fireplaces.
After the guided tour, transfer to Pontebosio Castle for a tasting lunch featuring local products. In the afternoon, a walk through the villages of Tavernelle, Taponecco, and Apella until reaching the agritourism property. Check-in and dinner featuring local specialties.
Stage: Fivizzano
After breakfast, transfer to Fivizzano for a tour of the historic center, including the museum complex housed in the former Augustinian Convent—a cultural hub of the Lunigiana region that houses works of art, a collection of rare books, and historical artifacts. Inside, visitors can explore the Museum of St. John, featuring sculptures and paintings from throughout the diocese; the Bernacca Weather Museum, dedicated to the famous meteorologist; and the Library, which houses an ancient herbarium, incunabula, and antique prints. Before leaving the historic center, stop at the Clementi Pharmacy to discover and taste “China,” created in 1884 by Dr. Giuseppe Clementi, an expert botanist. The tour continues to the Verrucola Fortress, which in the past controlled the various mountain passes of eastern Lunigiana leading to the plains of Reggio Emilia and Modena. Transfer to a traditional restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Pallerone Castle, which was transformed into a sumptuous stately residence and became a marquis’s seat in the 17th century. The residence, currently owned by the Malatesta family, features a cycle of frescoes dedicated to classical myths and a hanging garden with the characteristic Ligurian “risseau,” both recently restored.
Stage: Saint Caprasius
After breakfast, transfer to Aulla and a visit to the Abbey of San Caprasio, one of the iconic sites of the Via Francigena in the Val di Magra and a stop on Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury’s journey. In the museum housed within the ancient chapter house, numerous artifacts tell the story of the Benedictine abbey. Lunch on your own.
360 €
Rate per person in a double room.
The fee includes
The price does not include
Practical Information
GIT TIP
A tour of the historic mansions and castles of Lunigiana, from Monti to Fivizzano and on to the Abbey of San Caprasio.
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