Unusual Tuscany Tour | Lucca – Barga – Garfagnana

 

 

Unusual Tuscany Tour | Lucca – Barga – Garfagnana  

This is a tour I planned in the past inside my Tour Operator programmation with the title “Toscana Insolita” because it does not follow the usual itineraries including the most important destinations such as Florence, Pisa, Siena, Volterra or San Gimignano among others.It is an itinerary focused on discovering   the divine Lucca and its province with the suggestive Barga and Garfagnana, fairytale territories full of attractions, sublime landscapes and a historical-monumental heritage of enormous importance.

1^st Day Lucca

Lucca wonderful city situated in northern Tuscany located on the banks of the Serchio river founded by the Etruscans. You can start the visit from the spectacular and imposing Renaissance walls that surround the historic center.Developed between 1504 and 1648 for over 4.2 kilometers close to the urban area they are accompanied by 11 bastions and 12 curtains although the concept of its construction was not purely for defensive purposes .

The visit can continue with the majestic Guinigi Tower, a masterpiece in Romanesque style dating back to the 14th century with an impressive height of 44.25 meters built using brick and stone as primary materials.

Another historic emblem of the city is La Torre delle Ore, the Tower of Hours, a medieval building erected in the 13th century. It is tallest of the 130 towers built in Lucca in the Middle Ages, famous for its clock installed in 1390 and for the legend of Lucida Mansi who According to a legend, it is said she sold his soul to the devil.

Continuation of your visit with magnificent Cathedral of San Martino, a medieval architectural masterpiece dating back the 11th century which perfectly brings together the Romanesque and Gothic styles in its exhilarating external layout where an extraordinary portico with three stupendous arches corresponding to the naves and flanked by an imposing bell tower.

The interior is absolutely stunning, rich of masterpieces as a magnificent polychrome marble altar and another great work by the great master Domenico Il Ghirlandaio, the Madonna Enthroned with Child and Saints  painted in 1479  and the splendid Last Supper by Tintoretto.

Other highlights of relevance are the funerary monument to Ilaria del Caretto a prominent work  work by Jacopo Della Quercia and the Tempietto del Volto Santo created by the local sculptor Matteo Civitali.

Take the chance to walk in the beautiful Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and the surrounding places outside the walls to admire the stupendous landscapes surrounding Lucca with the marvelous view of gentle, picturesque hillsides full of suggestive olive groves dominating an extensive green flat basin on the slopes of the Monte Serra and the Pizzorne plateaus.

From there you will be delighted to admire from another perspective the beauties of the fascinating Lucca and  also in its immediate charming hinterland.

It’s time for a good lunch and very suggested are local appetizers of varied Tuscan cured meats with crostini as first course you can choose the delicious Tordelli with wild boar sauce or Garmugia As second course excellent is the typical grilled beef steak with fresh vegetables or steamed trout with a side of boiled potatoes and do not miss the excellent local wines.

In the afternoon you can continue to discover the beauties of the fascinating Lucca by walking along the enchanting Via Filungo or alternatively visit the wonderful Basilica of San Frediano, take a look the splendid  Palazzo Mansi with the National Art Gallery, recommended for all lovers of pure, divine art. Do not miss to admire the beautiful Palazzo Ducale and the the splendid Teatro del Giglio. Enjoy your dinner in the area of Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro, the right place to enjoy the pleasant athmosphere of the beautiful Lucca.

Hotels suggested : https://www.palazzotucci.com/ - https://www.allacortedegliangeli.it/

2nd Day– LUCCA – BORGO A MOZZANO – LOPPIA – BARGA – LUCCA

It’s the second day and and after your breakfast in hoyel you can visit Borgo a Mozzano along a stretch of the sinuous Serchio river where you will have the opportunity to admire the famous medieval Devil's Bridge along its course.

Visit the small center of this attractive town in the heart of the rustic and enchanting Garfagnana, an area of unique, natural beauty at the foot of the evocative Apuan Alps and close to the Apennines in a geographical area rich in dense chestnut woods and

 The local historical heritage boasts the beauty of the two beautiful churches of San Rocco and San Jacopo and above all the splendid Convent of San Francesco erected in 1523.

Continuation towards Loppia you can have a short stop to admire the famous Pieve di Santa Maria, a beautiful religious building dating back to the 12th century developed in Romanesque style with its high four-storey bell tower built on a quadrangular plan.

Continuation towards Barga and take your time to enjoy a typical Garfagnana lunch with appetizers based on Tuscan Salami, Smoked Bacon, Coppa and Grilled Peppers. As first courses, very suggested are Matuffi or or Spelled Soup. About second courses you can opt for Stewed beef with rye bread and croutons or grilled Veal Fillet with a side dish of Spinach Gratin.

The visit of Barga will be simply stunning, the town boasts an extraordinary medieval center characterized by suggestive alleys and picturesque squares. You can start from the iconic Porta Reale a the medieval gate of notable importance since the middle age.

 Have an enjoyable a first stop in front of the beautiful Conservatory of Santa Elisabetta which was originally the Monastery of the Poor Clares erected in the 15th century housing a significant crucifix and an altarpiece attributed to the artistic school of the great Florentine Renaissance sculptor Andrea della Robbia.

Continuation with the stupendous Cathedral of San Cristoforo, a magnificent medieval building developed  in 10th century in a splendid Romanesque style using blocks of alberese as material for its construction.

After this spectacular excursion you can come back to Lucca enjoying your dinner and overnight in hotel.

 

3rd day - LUCCA – CASTELNUOVO DI GARFAGNANA - LUCCA

After your breakfast in Hotel, leave Lucca to head to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, a beautiful town located at the confluence of the Serchio river with the Turrite Secca stream.

You can start the town visit with the imposing Rocca Ariostesca, a 12th century fortress which takes its name from the poet Ludovico Ariosto who was governor of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana when this municipality was part of the Estense Duchy.This stronghold was enlarged in 1300 by the Duke of the Ghibelline faction Castruccio Castracani.

Continuation with the Cathedral of Saints Peter Paul dating back to the 16th century, a beautiful, large church with a splendid Renaissance façade preserving inside a magnificent terracotta altarpiece attributed to the great Florentine master Andrea del Verrocchio and a significant canvas depicting the Madonna with Saints painted by Ghirlandaio.

The nearest Porta di Castruccio is another iconic highlight. It was one of the main entrances of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana in medieval times and after crossing it you can stop in front of  Vittorio Alfieri Municipal Theater inaugurated in 1860, known for its capacity of 510 seats and always with a calendar full of events.

You will spot on a hill the silhouette of the Mont'Alfonso Fortress, a sixteenth-century Estensi stronghold built for defensive purposes. the Duchy of Lucca.In the historic center of this charming town delight your palate with a typical lunch based on traditional Garfagnana products starting from an appetizer with Salame Birolo, Soppressata, Mondiola and Prosciutto Re di Macchia all with a delicious Bruschetta.

As first courses very suggested are Papparedelle with Porcini Mushrooms or Chickpeas Soup, while as second courses you can choose between Stewed Seasonal Game or Grilled Pork Ribs both accompanied by Mixed Salad and Potatoes.

After this you can leave this wonderful corner of Tuscany, for sure Lucca and the Garfagnana will remain in your memories for ever.

 

Link : https://www.provincialucca.com/