20 Must-Visit Villages in Lunigiana, Northen Tuscany.

Lunigiana, a historical region nestled between Tuscany and Liguria in Italy, is a land of countless charming villages. The original idea was to list 10 must-visit villages, but the region’s beauty made it impossible to limit the selection to just ten. Here are 20 villages in Lunigiana that you should consider visiting:

  1. Filetto: A hidden gem in Tuscany, Filetto is a well-preserved walled village. Wander from the monumental gate to the Upper and Lower Squares and lose yourself in the narrow streets.
  2. Ponticello: This village along the Via Francigena partially hides in a tunnel, revealing charming corners among its alleys and small squares lined with sandstone houses. The imposing tower-house at the village entrance is a sight to behold.
  3. Caprigliola: Visible from the highway, Caprigliola stands out among the hills with its Medici walls and the ancient castle tower, now the bell tower of the Church of San Michele.
  4. Castiglione del Terziere: Pure beauty is synonymous with Castiglione del Terziere. The village is home to a castle and meticulously restored stone houses.
  5. Equi Terme: This village offers everything: an ancient village, fascinating caves, trekking routes, and the most famous living nativity scene in Lunigiana and Garfagnana. And yes, there are also thermal baths.
  6. Ponzanello: A picturesque village with a sea view, Ponzanello is a climb from the monumental gate to the castle ruins.
  7. Borgo della Verrucola: A village that is also a castle, Verrucola is the origin of Fivizzano. If Roberto Benigni and Massimo Troisi had come here before “Nothing Left to Do but Cry,” they would have really gone back in time!
  8. Malgrate: Overlooking from above, Malgrate is aware of its nobility. Its church is so hidden that finding it feels like winning a prize.
  9. Taponecco: To appreciate Taponecco, you need to discover it slowly, strolling through its tunnel villages.
  10. Ugliancaldo: Located on the border with Garfagnana, the climb to Ugliancaldo unfolds suddenly on the ridge of the hill. The village is worth exploring up to the Church of Sant’Andrea.
  11. Bibola: Another tunnel village, Bibola climbs along the Via Francigena, with the remains of the castle resembling the fingers of a hand.
  12. Lusuolo: Who doesn’t see it while driving on the Cisa state road? The castle is almost larger than the village, protecting the medieval ford on the Magra river.
  13. Virgoletta: Rumors speak of donkeys on the third floor in Virgoletta, as the stables on the ground floor of the houses on the hillside gave that impression. A well-maintained gem.
  14. Tavernelle: Along the Lagastrello road, Tavernelle was the right place for merchants and pilgrims to stop. The wealth is still visible in the noble palaces in the village street.
  15. Treschietto: Among the imposing ruins, ghosts and cruel lords wander. Treschietto is famous for its onions and many places to bathe in the stream.
  16. Vinca: Located under the Apuan Alps, Vinca offers unique views that remind of the nearby marble quarries. Don’t forget to buy Vinca’s bread.
  1. Sassalbo: Sassalbo is a large village, with stone houses stacked upon stone houses, a succession of carved portals and majesties, just below the Cerreto pass, another transit village.
  2. Camporaghena: Camporaghena is located just below the Apennine peaks. This small rural village is a starting point for several trekking routes.
  3. Gragnola: Above is the imposing Aquila Castle. Below is the village of Gragnola, a network of streets and stone houses overlooking the Aulella stream.
  4. Pulica: A warrior’s helmet cover, a disappeared castle, two churches, even a bar, are these reasons enough to visit Pulica?

These villages, each with its unique charm and history, are the heart and soul of Lunigiana. They offer a glimpse into the region’s rich past and present, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience of Italian culture and heritage.

Exploring the Hidden Gems of Lunigiana

Lunigiana is a treasure trove of hidden gems, each village offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the well-preserved walled village of Filetto to the picturesque village of Ponzanello with a sea view, each location tells a story of its own. The region is a testament to Italy’s rich heritage and the enduring charm of its rural landscapes.

The Charm of Rural Italy

The villages of Lunigiana are a testament to the enduring charm of rural Italy. Each village, with its unique history and character, offers a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Whether it’s the thermal baths of Equi Terme, the imposing ruins of Treschietto, or the hidden church of Malgrate, each location offers a unique experience for visitors.

A Journey Through Time

Visiting the villages of Lunigiana is like taking a journey through time. From the ancient castle tower of Caprigliola to the medieval ford protected by Lusuolo’s castle, these locations offer a window into Italy’s rich past. The region is a living museum, where history comes alive in the streets and buildings of its villages.

Puglia’s Best Secrets

Puglia is Italy’s gem when it comes to history, archaeology and culture. The southeastern region has for many years thrived as a tourism hub with so much to offer vacationers interested in taking a step back in time and experiencing old Italy in its most authentic form. Despite its popularity among tourists, Puglia’s unmatched wealth in history and culture is not what makes it one of Italy’s best kept secrets. Below is what most people don’t realize that Puglia has up its sleeves.

1. Porto Selvaggio

The path to Porto Selvaggio

Porto Selvaggio is found in Puglia’s province of Lecce. The beach itself is found along the Salento Peninsula with breathtaking crystal clear waters. In addition to the geographical beauty, Porto Selvaggio has a lot to offer in terms of history. It is actually the only place on earth where an ancient Greek dialect known as Griko is still spoken.

What to see and do

· Sunbathing and swimming

It is nothing short of a crime to visit Porto Selvaggio and not pay the beach one or two hundred visits. It is the reason why it is on this list as one of Puglia’s best kept secrets. You could also decide to experience the water by taking a boat ride or going SCUBA diving.

 

· Sightseeing

Some points of interest in Porto include the walled seaport of Gallipoli, Villa Tafuro and Uluzzo Bay. If you have extra time and an untamed adventurous spirit, you should also plan a visit to the various archeological sites there including the cave of the horse and sierra Cicora.

· Watch the sunset at the beach

You will never find anything to match its breathtaking beauty.

2. Monopoli

monopoli

Monopoli is in the heart of Puglia given its location in the region’s capital province of Bari. The town is right next to the Adriatic Sea. Like all other Puglia gems on this list, Monopoli is a triple threat with the sandy beaches, archaeological and historical as sights as well as culture to enjoy. Below are a few things that you should not leave Monopoli without having seen.

· The beaches

The beautiful waters of the Adriatic Sea meet the mainland forming beaches that you simply must see to appreciate. The aquamarine blue waters will leave you refreshed and ready to explore more of this amazing town.

· The ancient castles

The Castle of Charles V in particular is a must visit for people with a soft spot for history and fine architecture. The building was used as a prison until the mid-sixties when it was converted into a museum and art gallery which is where you will get the best cultural experience of Monopoli. The castle of S. Stephen is also worth a visit.

· The Jerusalem Hospital

This is probably the oldest hospital not only in Italy but in the whole world dating back to 1350. The architectural marvel is full of history and is one of those places you simply can’t leave Puglia without visiting.

3. City of Ostuni

Ostuni

The city of Ostuni is pretty much a white fortress and one of the fewest old towns in the world that has managed to preserve its medieval layout. From a distance, all you can see is white buildings. This is not a coincidence but has a historical etiology where people lime-washed the walls of their houses in an attempt to deflect the heat from their homes. Below is more that this charming little town has to offer:

· The Archbishop’s palace is Ostuni’s highest points and is an architectural marvel.

· Beautiful beaches along the Adriatic sea

· The Saint Oronzo festival every August to celebrate the town’s patron saint.

4. Grotte di Castellana

Grotte di Castellana is a series of amazing cave formations in Itria Valley, Puglia. They date back more than ninety million years and are among the most important of all of Puglia and Italy’s natural attractions. Taking a guided tour though the cave gives visitors the opportunity to experience not only nature at its best but also history and archaeology through the fossils and cave art you will get to see.

5. Da Mimi Trabucco

The Da Mimi Trabucco is a must-see if you want to add an educational aspect to you Puglia trip. The Trabucco itself is actually a unique fishing contraption that is nothing short of genius. You will get to see how it works and as many questions as you would wish to. It is a dining experience that you will not get anywhere else. In addition to the fishing scene, Da Mimi Trabucco is full of history with the Ottaviano family name popping up more than once in the fishing, culinary and construction aspects.

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