Lunigiana
Around 1200 AD, the lunigiana was controlled by the Malaspina family of which the various branches ruled over the west and east side of the Lunigiana until Garibaldi in the nineteenth century. From those days many castles still remain as well as palaces (Massa, Mulazzo) , The great poet Dante stayed here while working on his Divine Comedy and helping keeping the peace between the competing Malaspina family members. Now it's a peaceful and wonderful, mountainous region which hosts still some of the once hundred castles.

The Lunigiana -named after the ancient Roman port city of Luni - is full of pittoresque hamlets (borghi) which are fully intact and well worth a visit. You can explore the region by wandering or biking like on the famous Via Francigena , the pilgrim's road from Canterbury to Rome. Skislopes are found in various places and (free) fishing is all around. The weather in the Lunigiana is usually good due to the complete enclosure by mountains hence the local microclimate.The air is the cleanest in Italy. The Lunigiana is accessible by the autostrada Parma-La Spezia which brings you to the Mediterranean coast and the famous resorts, in ten to thirty minutes. If you come by car, have a look at the traffic. The prestigious Bancarelvino prize for best wine and winebook of the year, is presented during the festival inMulazzo which usually takes place in the first week of August. Italy's most important literary award is presented in Pontremoli (the capital) and comes from the fact that many major publishers originate from nearby Montereggio. In August, all villages organize festivals.

The region is served by the airports of Pisa, Genoa, Florence and Milan. Come and enjoy the stilled history of the Lunigiana and take your time to see the beauty of the region. London-Pisa by Ryan Air from £ 19,90



Pictures of the Lunigiana
Links:
Dante Via-Francigena Castles Luni Lunigiana Traffic Ryan Air Weather