リッチャーナ・ナルディのおすすめMTBライド

The dirt road that connects the hamlet of Bagatello to Valico dei Solini follows the route of the 43rd stage of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri (Ceparana–Valico dei Solini) and also partly coincides with a segment of the Lunigiana Gravel. The route is easy to ride: the surface is largely compact and stable, ideal for gravel and MTB. Some short sections have a slightly more unstable surface, with loose gravel or uneven terrain, but overall the ride is smooth and pleasant, even uphill. The natural setting is very suggestive, with wooded sections and open views towards the Val di Vara.

beautiful view

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fontana

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.

Probably built in the Middle Ages, to protect and control the bridge that offered the opening to the valley, it currently appears as a noble residence dating back to the 17th century, with four imposing corner towers. Transformed into a Luxury resort: a boutique hotel located inside an authentic 17th century castle belonging to the Malaspina marquises.

Passing by Madonna del Gaggio, continue on a dirt road and arrive in front of the restaurant. 20 meters later on the right, there is another dirt road that leads to the base of the stream and after a climb always on a dirt road, you arrive at the town of Meredo. To the right you go to Barbarasco- Aulla and to the left to the Passo dei Solini Alta Via dei Monti Liguria.