CNA - Exploring the Hidden Gems of Eastern Lunigiana

Arrival in the morning at Monti di Licciana and guided visit of the Malaspina Castle. Located along the Via del Volto Santo, an ancient pilgrimage route connecting Lunigiana to Lucca, the castle has dominated the Taverone Valley since the 11th century, overseeing the communication routes toward the Apennines through the Abbey of Linari. Remarkably, it is still owned by descendants of its original feudal lords. In the 16th century, Marquis Moroello Malaspina transformed it into a noble residence, featuring magnificent vaulted ceilings and monumental fireplaces.

After the guided tour, transfer to Pontebosio Castle for a tasting lunch with local products. In the afternoon, walk through the charming villages of Tavernelle, Taponecco, and Apella, reaching the agriturismo. Check-in and dinner featuring traditional dishes.

After breakfast, transfer to Fivizzano for a visit to the historic center and the museum complex inside the former Augustinian Convent, a cultural hub of Lunigiana that houses artworks, ancient books, and historical relics.

Inside the complex, you can visit the Museum of St. John, with sculptures and paintings from across the diocese, the Bernacca Weather Museum dedicated to the famous meteorologist, and the Library, which preserves a historic herbarium, incunabula, and antique prints.

Before leaving the town center, stop at Farmacia Clementi to discover and taste the China liqueur, created in 1884 by Dr. Giuseppe Clementi, a skilled botanist.

The visit continues to the Verrucola Fortress, which once controlled the main passes of Eastern Lunigiana toward the Reggio Emilia and Modena plains.

Transfer for lunch at a traditional restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit to Pallerone Castle, which was transformed into a stately residence and became a marquis seat in the 17th century. The estate, currently owned by the Malatesta family, features a series of frescoes inspired by classical mythology and a hanging garden with a typical Ligurian risseau mosaic, recently restored.

After breakfast, transfer to Aulla to visit the Abbey of San Caprasio, one of the symbolic sites of the Via Francigena in the Magra Valley and a stop along the route taken by Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury.

In the museum set up in the ancient chapter house, many artifacts tell the story of the Benedictine abbey.

Lunch at your leisure.