A stay in the tranquility of the hilly landscape of Tresana is a safe haven from daily stress. Nestled in the green of the Lunigiana, on the right bank of the river Magra, Tresana is striking for its small size and its evocative image as a village perched on a hill. Developed around a fortification of Byzantine origin, it was granted by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa to the Malaspina, a family of ancient noble lineage that for centuries ruled the Lunigiana territory with a system of castles and watchtowers.
Characterizing the landscape of the small town is the ancient Malaspina Castle, which stands imposingly, almost looming over the tiny village below, and dominating its view. The fortification is squeezed between steep walls that increased its protection, while its strategic position ensured the sighting of possible enemies. The oldest part consists of the imposing quadrangular tower (12th century); later, over the centuries, the castle was expanded and currently houses a private accommodation facility. It can be visited by appointment.
Not far away is the baroque church of San GiorgioThe village of Tresana in the shadow of the Malaspina Castle
Tresana is one of the most relaxing destinations in all of Lunigiana, a perfect place for walks in the mountains with stops at the small villages in its territory.
Tresana is located in an area of the Lunigiana characterized by small villages surrounded by green woods with views of the valley and the Apuan Alps.
Among the places to visit, in addition to the small village of Barbarasco, with the Church of San Quirico and Giulitta, is the Giovagallo Castle, an ancient Malaspina residence, now in ruins, where Dante Alighieri is said to have been hosted.
We are in the production area of Lunigiana PDO Chestnut Flour and Lunigiana PDO Honey.
Characterized by a sweet flavor, chestnut flour was in the past the main source of sustenance for mountain populations and has always been used to prepare typical dishes of the the Lunigiana culinary tradition: castagnaccio /a cake made with chestnut flour), chestnut pancakes, pattone (anotehr cake made with chestnut flour), lasagne bastarde, pane marocca (bread made with chestnut flour), and polenta.
Lunigiana honey boasts ancient origins, with its use attested both as an ingredient in traditional recipes and as a medicine. It is the first Italian honey to have obtained the PDO symbol, a protected designation of origin, from the European Union, reserved for acacia honey and chestnut honey.
