Garfagnana

Garfagnana – upper Serchio valley Tuscany
In the province of Lucca, Tuscany, there is a territory that in ancient times, but also today, is known as the Garfagnana. A historical and natural territory that geographically corresponds to the upper part of the Serchio river basin. The latter was known before the Middle Ages as one of the most ‘impervious’ and militarily strategic areas in central northern Italy.
Why do we want to talk about Garfagnana? Because here there are many small municipalities that are able to offer different and adventurous tourist experiences. The area in question is located in the inland part of Tuscany with the border of Emilia Romagna. Characterised by the presence of high mountains that belong to the Apuan Alps.
This territory is managed by no less than 16 small municipalities that are destinations for hikers, campers, mountaineers and climbers. These include: Careggine, Camporgiano, Castiglione di Garfagnana, Fosciandora, Gallicano, Giuncugnano, Minucciano, Molazzana, Piazza al Serchio, Pieve Fosciana, San Romano in Garfagnana, Sillano, Vagli Sotto, Vergemoli and Villa Collemandina.
WHAT YOU CANNOT MISS IN GARFAGNANA
But let us list the most beautiful and unmissable places to see in the Garfagnana, starting with the Orecchiella Park, an earthly paradise of unspoilt nature. You can follow various routes or venture into its woods, plains, hills and mountains, but only if you are an experienced camper. You will also find equipment to rent directly at the park
The Mont’alfonso Fortress is a 16th century military structure. It was built as a point of defence, but was actually a kind of ‘customs house’ between the Duchy of Lucca and Ferrara. During the summer, the fortress becomes a meeting point for all kinds of events, concerts, exhibition and book presentations.
Another interesting structure is the Fortezza delle Verrucole, which resides in one of the oldest medieval villages in this area, namely in San Romano di Garfagnana. In addition, the fortress is part of a living museum that is interesting for young and old alike.
Mysteries between water and caves
As mentioned, the Garfagnana offers experiences other than simply lying on the beach and roasting in the sun. In summer it is a lovely pastime, but why should that be all you need?
Lago Di Gramolazzo is one of the largest lakes in Tuscany, completely swimmable and with an artificial beach, but from which there is a pier where you can hire boats and pedalos to go out into the lake. A park and dense vegetation, perfect for picnics and outdoor snacks, surrounds it. Unquestionably, it is a destination worth visiting.
Lake Vagli is a suitable meda for those who love diving and history, but above all mysteries. Beneath its waters lies an old submerged village that has inspired myths, legends and stories.
Nature is made up of visible places and others to be searched for, such as the Grotta del Vento (Wind Cave) where one finds several consequential caves that are carved into the rock. These places have been created by centuries and centuries of water infiltration and precisely by the channelling of wind. This is an enchanted place with streams, caverns and alabaster formations. It is a natural temple that, according to history, was used by early humans as a place of veneration.

Garfagnana – upper Serchio valley Tuscany
In the province of Lucca, Tuscany, there is a territory that in ancient times, but also today, is known as the Garfagnana. This is a historical and natural territory that geographically corresponds to the upper part of the Serchio river basin. The latter was known before the Middle Ages as one of the most ‘impervious’ and militarily strategic areas in central northern Italy.
Why do we want to talk about Garfagnana? Because here there are many small municipalities that are able to offer different and adventurous tourist experiences. The area in question is located in the inland part of Tuscany with the border of Emilia Romagna. Characterised by the presence of high mountains that belong to the Apuan Alps.
This territory is managed by no less than 16 small municipalities that are destinations for hikers, campers, mountaineers and climbers. These include: Careggine, Camporgiano, Castiglione di Garfagnana, Fosciandora, Gallicano, Giuncugnano, Minucciano, Molazzana, Piazza al Serchio, Pieve Fosciana, San Romano in Garfagnana, Sillano, Vagli Sotto, Vergemoli and Villa Collemandina.
WHAT YOU CANNOT MISS IN GARFAGNANA
But let us list the most beautiful and unmissable places to see in the Garfagnana, starting with the Orecchiella Park, an earthly paradise of unspoilt nature. You can follow various routes or venture into its woods, plains, hills and mountains, but only if you are an experienced camper. You will also find equipment to rent directly at the park