A good starting point for a tour in the heart of the Apennines
Baragazza is a hamlet of about 1000 inhabitants located on the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, 4 km from Castiglione dei Pepoli, at the foot of the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine delle Grazie di Boccadirio, a religious destination for thousands of believers. The patron is San Michele Arcangelo, celebrated on 29 September.
Rich in history since its probable Celtic origins, it was characterized - from the Middle Ages onwards - by parish churches, castles, fortresses (of which mostly vestiges remain), intrigues, bloody events, sacred apparitions and miracles.
In the last century, political violence occurred during the advent of Fascism and severe aerial bombardments during the Second World War.
The village is located on a hill 700m above sea level, so the arrival (by bike) from both Castiglione dei Pepoli (north-west) and from Roncobilaccio (south-east) requires a somewhat demanding but not impossible climb.
The area is mountainous and rich in woods and paths, but is easily accessible thanks to the Autostrada del Sole (exit at the Roncobilaccio toll booth).
Therefore it is a suitable location as a starting point for hiking, or MTB and racing bike tours.
Here you will find a pharmacy, post office, mechanical workshop, grocery stores, restaurants, B&B, farm holidays and hotels.