Castelnuovo di Garfagnana is a charming, historic gem of Northern Tuscany located at the confluence of the Serchio river with the Turrite Secca stream, the largest center of the Garfagnana a very suggestive territory lying between the Apennines and the Apuan Alps, a verdant territory full of stunning contrasts among gentle slopes, high hills, mountains, dense forests about 40 kilometers from the provincial capital Lucca.
The first important historical information about this center dates back to 740 with a notable presence in 1300 under the dominion of Lucca and it was in that period that important works were carried out such as the connection between the castle and the borgo of Cellabarotti which then changed its name becoming the borgo di Santa Lucia at the behest of Castruccio Castracani.
In 1430 Castelnuovo di Garfagnana passed under the Estense influence highlighted by a very flourishing historical period.
Once you reach the municipal terms of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, I recommend starting the visit from Piazza Umberto I with La Rocca Ariostesca, one of the local symbols, a trapezoidal-shaped medieval fortress dating back to the twelfth century.
This fortress was originally developed for military purposes and then its name from the poet of Reggio Emilia Ludovico Ariosto, well known to be the author of the romance epic Orlando Furioso, who lived for about three years in this municipality and was governor of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana when this center was part of the Este province.
This stronghold was later enlarged by the Duke of the Ghibelline faction Castruccio Castracani.The structure has been the protagonist over time of various modifications and expansions, in 1675 a terrace overlooking the square was added, becoming in modern times a museum center dedicated to the great Ludovico Ariosto and the local hitory.
Continuation with the Cathedral of Saints Peter Paul dating back to the sixteenth century, developed on the remains of a pre-existing Romanesque church built in the 11th century, beautiful, large church with a Renaissance façade in gray stone with a sober pediment supported by four pilasters and three large portals.
The advent of the Baroque period brought various changes, the apse was completely restored and renoved in the19th century there were the addition of new decorations and nine altars.
The church preserve in its interior a magnificent terracotta altarpiece depicting St. Joseph attributed to the great Florentine master Andrea del Verrocchio, a significant canvas depicting The Madonna with Saints painted by Ghirlandaio and a marble frame developed by the workshop of Lucca of Civitali.
In the chapel of St. Joseph, located on one side of the apse, there is the "Black Christ", a valuable sculpture of the 15th century that escaped the fire of 1977 that also involved the sacristy.
Continuing to reach the Porta di Castruccio which was one of the main entrances to the village in medieval times, then stopping in front of the Vittorio Alfieri Municipal Theater historically wanted by Count Giovanni Carli, Antonio Vittoni and a group of high class.
The same count designed the structure probably taking inspiration from decorative elements in the Teatro di Lucca developed with a large atrium, a large horseshoe-shaped stalls, a gallery and three orders of 17 boxes while the paintings are attributed to Davide Franchi a local artist very active in the Garfagnana area.
The Alfieri Theater with its 510 seats is the second largest in the province after the Teatro del Giglio in Lucca and was inaugurated on August 22, 1860 with "La Straniera" by Vincenzo Bellini.
Remained intact after the events of the Second World War, the theatre was first transformed into a cinema, then closed in 1990 and reopening its doors in 2006 with a symphonic concert by the Orchestra Regionale Toscana.
On a hill you will see the silhouette of the Fortress of Mont'Alfonso, a sixteenth-century stronghold of the Este family built for defensive purposes on the border with the Duchy of Lucca.
Time for your lunch, I recommend as first courses to choose between Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragout or Vegetable Minestrone and Chickpeas, second courses to choose between Stewed beef or grilled pork ribs.
The visit of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana is splendid to discover the medieval beauties of a centre that offers numerous attractions, including history and art, surrounded by the wonderful landscapes of this land that conquers at first sight, a place not to be missed when planning a tour or a stay in the fascinating Tuscany.
Link : https://www.turismo.garfagnana.eu/
Where to Stay | Recommended Accommodation
Villa Bertagni
Hotel The Marquee
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