Tuscany and Lunigiana in a nutshell
Pontremoli is located in the Tuscan region of "Lunigiana" , at the feet of the Apennine Mountains, and is surrounded by the valleys of Rivers Magra, Verde and Giordana. Along the centuries, it has been the doorway for communications between the valley of Padua and Tuscany. The ancient "borgo" of Pontremoli, with its antique towers concealed in the middle of splendid historic palaces, nowadays is an important little town, because, among other things, it hosts the yearly prestigious Literary Award Ceremony: The "Bancarella Award". When in Pontremoli , in the lovely unspoilt land of Lunigiana, be sure not to miss the Castle of Pignaro which hosts the Museum of Statue Stele, the church of SS. Annunziata, the cathedral of S.Maria Assunta, Pavesi Palace, the church of S.Benedetto, and the Palace of Dosi Magnavacca. It is worth mentioning that Lunigiana is full of little historical villages, some dating back to the 6th century. Every year, in summer, the village of Filetto hosts the Medieval Market. The narrow alleys and the secluded squares of the village, become full of merchants in medieval costumes and sell all sorts of handcrafts. In the main street, a pottery workshop holds courses of pottery, ceramics art and decoration all year long. This area is great for excursions, because it is at only two km from the Parma-La Spezia Highway. And from La Spezia City (less than 30 minutes drive), boats leave every hour during the summer months to Cinque Terre, Portovenere and Lerici beaches.

Lunigiana is part of Tuscany, a land of magnetism, where the genius of man, combined with the beauty of nature, made this enchanted Region one of the most visited by travellers since the middle ages: think of vineyards and olive trees groves extending beyond the horizon, and of winding country roads lined by dark green cypress trees, and rust-coloured farmhouses and beige castles scattered everywhere on gentle, round hilltops.

Tuscany is a living sculpture. You may have visited it ten times, you still will have much more to discover about this unique region. Think of Arezzo, home town of Petrarch, father of the modern Italian language, or of Guido d'Arezzo, inventor of modern musical scale. Or think of the beautiful frescoes of Piero della Francesca or the 15th century church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. And there is old Cortona, capital of Chianti wine, and Asciano with its nearby 14th century monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, and Volterra, an ancient stronghold dominating the sea with its thick ramparts and its countless masterpieces. And what about Lucca, with its intact city walls and its romantic elliptical-shaped piazza Anfiteatro, and Montepulciano with its splendid medieval churches and renaissance palaces and world-wide renowned wines. Not to speak about Florence, which is an authentic jewel box, proud of its innumerable museums, palaces and churches.

Tuscany is an architectural as well as a natural feast, and has a particularly perfumed air, permeated by the scent of shrubs, bushes and spontaneous Mediterranean flowers. Everything in Tuscany speaks about Eternity.