Lunigiana
Just driving or walking around Lunigiana you will discover its rich natural beauty and the character of one of the most beautiful parts of Italy, set like a green jewel in a triangle between the glistening sea, the mighty Apennines and the soaring Apuan Alps.
Over the age’s people and armies have passed through or settled in Lunigiana, each contributing to its complex defence system. Lunigiana is also known as ‘Land of the Hundred Castles’. Many are still standing others have been ruined by time. Many castles were built by the Marquis of Malaspina, though they stretch through times from the remains of Bronze age constructions to bastions of the 17th Century. Many are privately owned (Bastia, Monti, and Fivizzano ). Some have become properties of the state (Comano Castle dominated by a cylindrical tower, Aulla and Pontremoli).
The Fortezza della Brunella (16th Century) above Aulla is worth a visit. It is set in a beautiful holm-oak park and has undergone intense restoration works. It was bought in 1903 by the British consul who lived there with his family and later his children used it as a summer retreat. They sold it in 1974 to the Italian state. Part of the castle has been transformed into an interesting natural history museum whose motto is Understand and Protect.
In the castle of Piagnaro at Pontremoli (open to the public daily except Monday) is the Stele museum. These prehistoric stone statues have been found in large numbers in this part of Lunigiana. They stare out at you from the past in a most impressive manner.
The Roman churches in the area, Pieve, ( Church / La Chiesa) are mainly modest. The Pieve of Crespiano or the Pieve di Santa Maria at Monti are interesting, as are the Pieve of Sorano, Pieve of San Paolo and Pieve di Codiponte. Also worth seeing is the beautiful church at
Licciana Nardi (connected to the castle by a bridge), and the lovely Santuario della Madonna di Loreto between Licciana and Panicale.