Garfagnana

Garfagnana, at the north limit of Tuscany, is a valley rich in history and traditions, really near to important historical centers like Lucca, Pisa and Florence. This valley, which is generated by Serchio river and its affluents, is a coffer full of naturalistic treasures, enclosed between the chain of the Alps Apuane and Appenino Tosco-Emiliano. The most important centers are Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Barga and Bagni di Lucca.

The wide limits of this zone, its history, traditions and above all atmospheres, make it a true paradise for hikers. From the contrast between two regions (apuana region and Appennino) is a territory rich of history, which was inhabited in prehistoric age, and during the centuries subject to the bishops of Lucca and Luni.

If you speak about Garfagnana, you think above all to the green pastures at the feet of the sour summits of the Alps Apuane or at the less high Appennino Tosco-Emiliano. The zone, offers long walks in its 60,000 hectares of forests, dipped in a fascinating nature, which changes continuously. Garfagnana offers "frightening and secret" placesl ike the natural coves, of which the most known is the Cove of the Wind, or the wild Cov of the Scesta or the dark Orrido di Botri. But the most representing area is perhaps the Park of the Orecchiella, beyond 52 squared kilometers, where the small villages dominate the valley. It is ideal for peolpe who wants live in contact with nature and discovers at the same time the valley history and the traditional hospitality of its inhabitants. Discovering Garfagnana with horse, by foot or in Mountain Bike, means to cover again, following the old paths and the muleteer, the history of these mountains.

In an uncontaminated and protect environment like this, cows, sheep and goats donate their milk for the cheese production. Are in fact above all cheeses that characterize the gastronomic history of this land. The festivals are really numerous and they are based on typical preparations. Among them are festival of the crisciolette which is carried out every year at Cascio and festival of the focacce at Gallicano.