The best traffic-free bike rides around Gallicano

The Rocca Ariostesca is a medieval fortified military structure located in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. The rocca is the symbol of the city and overlooks the central Piazza Umberto I. It owes its name to having been the seat of the Este government and to having hosted, from 1522 to 1525, as governor of the Garfagnana of the Este, the poet Ludovico Ariosto, who was succeeded in the following century by Fulvio Testi. A small outpost already existed on the site in the 10th century, but it can be said that the original structure of the Rocca as we know it today dates back to the 12th century; modified throughout the 13th century, it was significantly enlarged in the early 14th century by Castruccio Castracani, who determined an enlargement of the entire village walls. It was then Paolo Guinigi who ordered the construction of the imposing tower located in the center of the Rocca, adorned with the civic clock, which over time was also used as a prison. The terrace overlooking the square was erected in 1675, coinciding with the opening of the monumental arch of access to the city center. The internal furnishings have been lost, among which the tapestries that adorned the "Sala dei Principi" (Hall of the Princes) are known. The Rocca was damaged during the Second World War and subsequently restored. As a venue for exhibitions and cultural events, it houses the Archaeological Museum in its halls, which preserves numerous artifacts and testimonies from the prehistoric, Ligurian-Apuan, and Etruscan periods in Garfagnana.

This artificial lake was created by damming the Turritecava stream in the late 1930s. Its protected location makes it an excellent refuge for birds. Canyoning is possible nearby on the Rio Selvano, a tributary of the Turritecava.

Part 2 / Day 8 Barga, In search of cooling – ‘dessert walk’. The sun has reached its peak during our lunch. The temperatures are rising in the old town. Not a breath of wind blows through the narrow alleys. City walls groan under the heat. Locals hide behind their thick house facades. The calories burned have been amply replenished by lunch. However, we do not turn down the proposed dessert walk. On the panoramic terrace in front of the imposing Duomo di San Cristoforo we literally reach the highest point in Barga. The sun burns the earth and its subjects. Heaven is within reach, but our time has not yet come. Wisely we continue looking for cooling in the lower-lying holy houses. Churches and chapels are excellent buildings to calm the heated minds. The further we descend through the narrow streets, the more sweet smells stimulate our brains. Just outside the city walls, in a sea of shade, we have an appointment with Theobroma. Theobroma Capolavori di Dolcezza is a paradise that specializes in gelato, yogurt and che. All these delicacies in cool colors and scents ask to be tasted. In this heaven on earth, where masterpieces of sweets surpass works of god 😉, we conclude our acquaintance with Barga. In one word, Barga was finished. Read other experiences? Click through to https://www.komoot.com/nl-nl/collection/2195535/-visit-italy-2023-regio-massa-carrara-lucca

The Rocca di Gallicano still appears as it appeared in 1488. At that time it was part of the defensive fortification system of the Republic of Lucca.

The territory of Vergemoli is marked by the presence of rivers, in particular the Turrite, which has provided energy for all human activities since the early twentieth century. Here nature works in harmony with man, leaving room for professions now in danger of extinction.

The place of worship stands at the foot of a large sheer wall. According to tradition, it was built precisely on the spot where, around the year 1000, a shepherdess went to draw water; Before his eyes a statue of the Virgin Mary appeared which is still an object of devotion today.

It's a private garden, but perfectly maintained. Parts can be seen through the gates or over the wall!

Couple of historic bridges over the riverbed running through Barga. Looks to be permanently dry now - a playground has been created on the river bed between the two bridges.