スタッツェーマの洞窟・トップ14

A beautiful hike. Some trails are a bit abandoned and lack signage, but following the trail is fine. From the top of the tower, there would be a beautiful view, but we missed it due to fog and a myriad of flying ants.

The ruins of the Tower, or Rocca, of Bargiglio stand on the top of the mountain of the same name at 866 meters above sea level at the gates of Garfagnana and the Media Valle del Serchio. Once you arrive at the Tower, it is clear why it has always been called the "Eye of Lucca": the view is panoramic at 360 degrees and offers a perfect view from the peaks of the Apuan Alps, with the Pania di Corfino clearly visible, to the numerous castles and fortresses of Garfagnana, such as the Castiglione Castle and the Mont'Alfonso Fortress. From here you can also dominate the entire Serchio Valley below, from the walls of Barga and Coreglia Antelminelli to Bagni di Lucca, up to the many towns in the Municipality of Pescaglia. And finally, in the distance to the south, the Lucca plain and then the Tyrrhenian coast. The origin of the fortification dates back to an unknown era, probably built by the Suffredinghi, one of the three potentates of Lombard origin who controlled the Serchio Valley who distinguished themselves for their tenacious resistance to the expansionism of the Municipality of Lucca, being bordered by the Este dominions of Garfagnana. It consisted of only one tower, used as an observation and control point of the vast territory, of the road that passed a little further down and of the small community that lived in the farmhouses surrounding the fortification and the ancient Hermitage of S. Bartolomeo.

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.

Castelnuovo di Garfagnana - Tea Time Sunday, the locals in the new castle are also enjoying the peace. The apostles Peter and Paul invite us into the shade of their modest prayer house (Parrocchia Abbaziale dei SS. Apostoli Pietro e Paolo). The holy water is bubbling… The tea ceremony is a feast for the eyes when the tea bag changes the water in color and scent. After a short toast we bring comfort to Don Quixote. Seated on his horse Rocinate at Rocca Ariostesca, (old city gate) he continues his battle alone… Wandering further through the empty alleys and streets, students in Teatro Alfieri manage to entertain us with a matinée. Students put their best foot forward while fellow students, with crossed fingers, encourage the main character. Exam passed It was nice to be in the new castle during our tea time. Read more experiences? Click through to https://www.komoot.com/en-gb/collection/2195535/-visit-italy-2023-regio-massa-carrara-lucca

Piazza Aranci in Massa is named after the double row of orange trees, which were planted in the early nineteenth century after the hotly debated demolition of the church of San Pietro on the orders of Countess Elisa Baciocchi, Napoleon's niece. In the beginning, sweet citrus trees were selected and strict laws were in place to ensure that tourists and passers-by did not pick the fruits, which were instead given to charities. Over time, less tasty bitter citrus fruits were planted, which turned out to be stronger in winter. Giacomo Leopardi and Giosué Carducci were equally captivated by these trees and mentioned them in letters after visiting the square.

Beautiful square with lots of orange trees around it

The area hosts the ruins of an ancient castle, of Peralla, dating back to the XIII century. What remains of the castle today is only a circular tower and pieces of the walls, in the highest part of the village.

Contains a small museum in which works by contemporary painters and photographers are displayed in temporary exhibitions. Entry is free.