Lunigiana

Immersed between Tuscany, Liguria and Emilia Romagna, between the mountains of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and the peaks of the Apuan Alps, Lunigiana it is a very green region that embraces mountain, hill and sea.

The ancient territory of the Apuans

The inhabitants themselves do not consider themselves to belong to any of the areas in which they reside or which they border, they simply consider themselves descendants of the Apuans, a proud people of pre-Roman Italy who lived there thousands of years ago, and who in various ways gave many invaders a hard time.

Pass territory And border, Lunigiana has always been crossed by armies and pilgrims, by flocks and caravans of merchants, to become "a crossroads of roads towards civilization".

In the synthesis between different cultures, even the language of Lunigiana it doesn't ring properly TuscanThe dialects are influenced by Ligurian and Emilian accents, and embody, as well as the culinary tradition, a mix of several traditions.

Rich in beauty, history, and ancient settlements, this land derives its name from the ancient Roman city of Luni, located at the mouth of the Magra river, not far from where Sarzana stands today.

What to see in Lunigiana

Castles, museums and parish churches they tell the historical turmoil of the region over the centuries. The Statues of the Stele, in particular - which can be visited at the Museum of the Stele Statues of Lunigiana - represent the very interesting phenomenon of megalithism and contribute to the study of the populations who inhabited the area during the prehistoric period.

A sign of the past of these areas is also the beautiful Roman archaeological site of Luni, undoubtedly the most interesting testimony of that domination. Very tangible, in Lunigiana, also the charm of the Middle Ages, which can be admired in the Malaspina castles, such as that of Fosdinovo, in the Romanesque parish churches, in the mighty walls of Caprigliola and in its elegant tower erected by the bishops of Luni.

They are scattered throughout the Lunigiana area characteristic tunnel villages which offer visitors a view of a series of tunnels through which they can venture to visit the village itself. It is a type of civil engineering created to defend against constant foreign invasions. The tunnel is usually made up of aligned houses which lead to a main square, a real attraction for those who want to learn more about the area.

The Via Francigena

The first Tuscan stretch of the Via Francigena passes through here. Paths and mule tracks have been restored around the ancient route, today fascinating trekking routes. You really never cease to be amazed by discovering little hidden gems like Fivizzano or Equi with its caves and its thermal baths, Zeros with the its snow-covered slopes or theelegant Pontremoli.

Exploring this land also offers the opportunity to discover its excellent cuisine, including testaroli with pesto, Aulla focaccia, Podenzana panigacci, herb tarts, castagnacci, cream-filled amor, and many other typical foods.