The best road cycling routes around Sillano Giuncugnano

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.

A must-see with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, all immersed in lush greenery.

Characteristic village of the upper Aulella valley, nestled along the crest of a rocky spur, the town still today winds along an axis that has at its center the baroque church (17th century), dedicated to San Martino, with a singular façade. On the sides of the monument, two pedestrian streets with a slight difference in level run between tightly packed stone houses, softened by arches and portals. Farmyards, terraces and open spaces open the view onto a lush nature.

Castelnuovo di Garfagnana - Tea Time Sunday, the locals in the new castle are also enjoying the peace. The apostles Peter and Paul invite us into the shade of their modest prayer house (Parrocchia Abbaziale dei SS. Apostoli Pietro e Paolo). The holy water is bubbling… The tea ceremony is a feast for the eyes when the tea bag changes the water in color and scent. After a short toast we bring comfort to Don Quixote. Seated on his horse Rocinate at Rocca Ariostesca, (old city gate) he continues his battle alone… Wandering further through the empty alleys and streets, students in Teatro Alfieri manage to entertain us with a matinée. Students put their best foot forward while fellow students, with crossed fingers, encourage the main character. Exam passed It was nice to be in the new castle during our tea time. Read more experiences? Click through to https://www.komoot.com/en-gb/collection/2195535/-visit-italy-2023-regio-massa-carrara-lucca

You have fully grasped the meaning of the octagon in the religious field. Great

The Pieve di San Lorenzo is worth a visit. A papal document attests to its presence as early as 1148, but it is likely that the church was built on a pre-existing body. The interior of the church is a perfect example of Romanesque architecture, truly extraordinary for having been preserved as it was originally, without subsequent alterations. The façade also reflects the original structure, but over time it has undergone slight modifications due to earthquakes that required its restoration.

At Passo Carpinelli, the view is breathtaking. There is the excellent "Antica locanda" of Minucciano, bar, restaurants, and rooms. I slept and dined there, it's excellent, the products come from the farm next door! When it's 34 degrees in the evening in Codiponte 10km away, it's mild here! Don't forget to stop there to enjoy a slice of pie on the terrace. going up via Pieve di San Lorenzo, the road is calmer and more rural! The slope is often around 9% over the last km. From Passo Carpinelli, you can continue to Passo Pradarena, taking the road furthest to the left, very beautiful, with a splendid panorama!

From Corfino you can admire a beautiful panorama of the Garfagnana which repays the effort in the saddle.