Lunigiana is in the northern corner of Tuscany, glistening like an emerald, reflecting the majesty of its setting between Liguria and Emilia Romagna along the course of the River Magra and its tributaries. This beautiful region is characterised by the wooded hills and verdant valleys of the Appenine mountains and the Apuan Alps where the world famous quarries of white marble beloved of Michelangelo sparkle like precious jewels.

Sun-kissed, with a wonderfully warm climate, the atmosphere of Lunigiana is gentle and restful.  Trekking routes abound, winding through olive, chestnut, oak and pine forests rich in mushrooms, berries and wildlife. Long meandering walks reveal crystal clear streams and rock-pools full of fish for paddling or swimming.  In winter ski on the deep white snow of the Appenines amidst wonderful scenery, in summer enjoy the caress of the sea on the warm sandy beaches of Versilia or explore the breathtaking cliffs of the Cinque Terre.  Lunigiana is the ideal spot to escape the stress and chaos of city life, discovering the fascination of ancient traditions and culture, or simply tasting the unique culinary flavours of the region, such as the wines, cheeses and cured meats, among exceptionally friendly, helpful and hospitable local people...............this is Lunigiana.

Imagine yourself in one of the many historical Malaspina castles, strolling through the tiny alleyways of the medieval villages, your ears ringing with the clanging of  swords and of arms, the clatter of horseshoes, the shouting of the market traders in the open, the gurgling of the water through the mills.  Wandering the steep passageways, you will smell the scent of hot bread just out of the oven or roasting chestnuts wafting through a stone portal.  There is no place better capable of stirring these emotions, but reading about the Lunigiana cannot compare with real life. This is why we are waiting to welcome you to discover this marvellous reality.

The History
Lunigiana is a land rich in history, deriving its name from the ancient Etruscan city of Luni, an important port even before Roman times. It was a flourishing centre until the medieval era when in AD476 the Barbarians destroyed the Roman Empire in the East.  From this time mountain villages began to appear in Lunigiana in particular for the intensive exploitation of the marble quarries.

From AD994 the Via Francigena (definitely the first tourist itinerary), almost 1600km long, was travelled by merchants and by pilgrims of the faith from Canterbury travelling to Rome. Some carried on to Jerusalem and the Holy Land whilst others set off from Luni to reach Santiago de Compostela.  The Via Francigena was also important for the military campaigns of Federico Barbarossa, CarloV and Carlo VIII and for the more peaceful pursuits of Dante Alighieri.

Traces of history are present everywhere, the many castles, villages and country churches standing as testaments today of the transfer of culture and traditions from generation to generation, influencing the people of this land. The most striking  symbol is certainly the museum of Stele statues at Pontremoli dating from the second millenium before Christ.  These stone statues with their representative shape and form characterise the populations that have lived in Lunigiana since prehistoric times.  The city of Aulla, founded at the centre of Lunigiana in AD884 by the marquis Adalberto of Tuscany, is the modern day capital.