マッサカッラーラの洞窟・トップ20

ステラ像（Statue Stele）は、大きさは様々ですが、一般的に高さ2～3メートルの直立した人型の石像です。 これらの神秘的な芸術作品は、ルニジャーナに住んでいた古代の人々の文化と精神性を物語っています。その正確な機能は、研究者の間で依然として議論の的となっています。ステラ像が古代の神々や地元の神々を表していたと仮定する人もいれば、埋葬のシンボルや記念碑であった可能性を示唆する人もいます。彫刻された人物は、しばしば同心円、コッペラ（くぼみ）、線状の刻み目などの謎めいた抽象的なシンボルを特徴としており、これらは宗教的、天文的、または儀式的な意味を持つ可能性があります。これらのシンボルの理解は、考古学者や専門家による研究と調査の対象となっています。

A very easy and pleasant ride. Much of the route follows secondary roads with very little traffic. Splendid views of Fosdinovo Castle, the mouth of the Magra River, and the Bay of La Spezia.

Aula is a fundamental hub of the Via Francigena, it was tormented by the bombings of the Second World War, causing the almost total destruction of its historic center, of which very few vestiges remain. It is located a few kilometers from the border with Liguria, on a narrow strip of land at the confluence of the Magra river and the Aulella stream, a decisive place for the civil and religious life of the entire area before the year 1000. Aulla in that period was already a small village and its importance was linked precisely to its central position along the Via Francigena, both as a pilgrimage road and as a commercial artery. The center of the town had an important role in defending the roads that led from the Lucca area and Liguria towards the Cisa Pass.

The Brunella Fortress owes its name to the hill on which it was built in the mid-16th century. The fort is a typical example of Renaissance military architecture, designed to defend against firearm attacks. It is an almost square construction with large polygonal struts. What is certain is that the complex represents the most powerful military work in Lunigiana and its strategic position allowed it, in the past, to control all the main routes in the area and the arrivals from the Apennine passes.

Medieval Castle of 1351. The fortification, which controlled the most important communication routes coming from the Apennines, Cisa and Garfagnana, developed in the 14th century (but its origins are probably older) and on its tower, 25 meters high and crowned by a corbeled patrol embossment, the flag of the Malaspina marquises flew until the 17th century. In addition to performing defensive functions, the castle became a noble residence in 1641, when the central body was transformed into a palace, incorporating the round tower. Despite this, the appearance of Malgrate is that of a classic medieval fortress: the main body is made up of the keep, located on the short side of the rectangular feudal palace and surrounded by walls, equipped with Guelph battlements, slopes and a patrol walkway that seems to date back to the 14th century.

The Piagnaro Castle is a fortress built in a strategic point to protect the Apennine passes and around which the first medieval nucleus was formed, built around the year 1000. For centuries it has been an integral part of the city's defensive system. In its thousand-year history it has undergone numerous destructions and subsequent reconstructions that have brought it to its current appearance. The Castle maintained its military function until the end of the 18th century. Its name derives from the so-called piagne, the gray sandstone slabs used in Lunigiana to cover the roofs of buildings, including that of the castle.

The hike up to the castle is worth it. Great views!

The Palazzo Ducale is an important monument in Massa, located in Piazza Aranci. It was built in the mid-16th century according to the wishes of Prince Alberico I Cybo-Malaspina. Hence it is also called Palazzo Cybo-Malaspina. The impressive façade overlooking the square offers a color scheme of red and white (in the marble and stucco). Beyond the main entrance opens a large courtyard, surrounded by columns, staircases, loggias and marble portals. At the far end is a nymphaeum with a statue of Neptune riding the waves.