Deep in the lush nature of the Garfagnana, in strategic locations between the mountains and the valleys, fortresses and citadels were built by noble families between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Today, these centuries-old and grandiose structures reveal the history of the villages.
The fortress of Mont’Alfonso, raised on the top of a hill that overlooks the town of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, is a majestic, defensive structure built on a pre-existing medieval village in the mid-late 16th century by Alfonso II d’Este. It can be reached by following the charming Path of Ariosto on foot, from which you can also enjoy a unique view of the Panie Group of the Apuan Alps and the Tuscan-Emilian Appennines.
Today, the structure still plays an active role in the lives of the townspeople, being the seat of the Provincial Administration and the Apuan Alps Park offices. But it also hosts permanent exhibitions, festivals, cultural events, as well as having a tourist information point, a popular traditions centre and a documentation centre on the Garfagnana fortifications.
The Rocca Ariostesca is the symbol of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. It was built in the 11th century and still dominates the entire village from the main square. It was once the seat of government and, of course, takes its name after Ludovico Ariosto, who stayed there between 1522 and 1525 as governor of the Este province of Garfagnana.
The Rocca degli Estensi of Camporgiano was built by the noble family of Ferrara around the 15th century, on a rocky relief just in front of the Fortress of Verrucole which lies on the other side of the river. In the past, together with the latter, it was a powerful base controlling the main access route to Garfagnana.
It still guards one of the most important road junctions in the history of the Upper Serchio Valley, though it does not retain much of its original structure due to an earthquake in 1920.
In the heart of Garfagnana, not far from San Romano, stands the majestic Fortress of Verrucole at a height of 600m above the small village of Verrucole. It can be reached on foot, starting from the village and following the path that climbs up the slopes of the hill, where you can admire the wonderful 360° panorama of the Garfagnana valley floor and the landscape of the Apuan Alps.
The Fortress of Verrucole is one of the most representative structures of the military fortifications system of the Este dukedom in Garfagnana, as it is impassable from its position perched on the rocky spur.
Today, the fortress is not only open for visitors, but is also accessible to everyone thanks to the rack railway - which must be pre-booked - that climbs the steep slopes of the hill on which it is built.
Finally, to round off the visit, there is nothing better than immersing yourself in the local flavours and discovering the gastronomic tradition - aromatic, genuine, and delicious - of Garfagnana and the Mid Serchio Valley.
