Guidebook for Castelnuovo di Garfagnana
Food Scene
If you like home made fresh pasta, don't miss this restaurant. Excellent quality at convenient price (about € 15 per person).
Da Lorietta
6 Via della Fontana CerretoliIf you like home made fresh pasta, don't miss this restaurant. Excellent quality at convenient price (about € 15 per person).
Touristic menu at 12 euro per person (included wine and expresso coffe)
Ristorante Il Ciulè, Pizzeria, Gelateria con tavoli
1/b Viale Giovanni PascoliTouristic menu at 12 euro per person (included wine and expresso coffe)
Gelateria Fuori dal centro
1F Via Olinto DiniThe best italian ice cream in town center
Do not miss a visit to Vecchio Mulino. This is not really a restaurant but a fantastic tasting place with the typical "slow food" style. Andrea, the big innkeaper, is very friendly and competent. He will help you to discover the season specialities of the region.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Il Vecchio Mulino
12 Via Vittorio EmanueleDo not miss a visit to Vecchio Mulino. This is not really a restaurant but a fantastic tasting place with the typical "slow food" style. Andrea, the big innkeaper, is very friendly and competent. He will help you to discover the season specialities of the region.
Excellent local cuisine made of good mix of apetisers, fresh pasta, grilled meat, local cheeses etc...
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Bottega Del Fattore
1 Via Francesco AzziExcellent local cuisine made of good mix of apetisers, fresh pasta, grilled meat, local cheeses etc...
Parks
A “must” for all nature and trekking lovers is the Orecchiella Park, a natural reserve, established in 1980, protected by the State Forestry Corps, which covers about 12.400 acres on the territory of 4 municipalities (Piazza al Serchio, San Romano, Villa Collemandina and Sillano). This area with high natural value is dominated by dense forests of fir, beech and chestnut trees; many wild animals live inside those woods (deers, roe deers, wild sheeps, foxes, badgers, wild boars, small rodents like squirrels etc. ….). In addition, if you are lucky, you can see two important kinds of birds of prey in the skies of the park : golden eagle and the peregrine falcon.
111 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de Orecchiella
A “must” for all nature and trekking lovers is the Orecchiella Park, a natural reserve, established in 1980, protected by the State Forestry Corps, which covers about 12.400 acres on the territory of 4 municipalities (Piazza al Serchio, San Romano, Villa Collemandina and Sillano). This area with high natural value is dominated by dense forests of fir, beech and chestnut trees; many wild animals live inside those woods (deers, roe deers, wild sheeps, foxes, badgers, wild boars, small rodents like squirrels etc. ….). In addition, if you are lucky, you can see two important kinds of birds of prey in the skies of the park : golden eagle and the peregrine falcon.
Do not miss a visit with your children to this theme park dedicated to the most famous puppet in the world: Pinocchio.
181 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de Pinocho
SP35Do not miss a visit with your children to this theme park dedicated to the most famous puppet in the world: Pinocchio.
Sightseeing
The Montalfonso Fortress, located on top of the hill (above Castelnuovo) was commissioned in the XVI° century by Duke Alfonso to provide the city with a defensive structure and a possible shelter in case of attack by the powerful and the neighbouring Republic of Lucca. Inside there are several buildings that were destined for the troops, offices and prisons (now there are only seven). Recently, the entire Fortezza di Montalfonso was totally restored and consolidated; The fortress, once a military building protected by its strong walls and bastions is now an open space for locals and visitors, offering its grounds to events such as concerts, meetings, weddings, food and wine events.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Fortezza di Mont’Alfonso
The Montalfonso Fortress, located on top of the hill (above Castelnuovo) was commissioned in the XVI° century by Duke Alfonso to provide the city with a defensive structure and a possible shelter in case of attack by the powerful and the neighbouring Republic of Lucca. Inside there are several buildings that were destined for the troops, offices and prisons (now there are only seven). Recently, the entire Fortezza di Montalfonso was totally restored and consolidated; The fortress, once a military building protected by its strong walls and bastions is now an open space for locals and visitors, offering its grounds to events such as concerts, meetings, weddings, food and wine events.
One of the most beautiful and oldest exemples of humpback bridge, it was erected in the twelfth century by the Countess Matilde di Canossa,it’s characterized by 5 beautiful asymmetrical arches mirroring on the Serchio river. The old legend says that this old bridge was completed with Devil help ; when local workers were trying to complete the great central arch of the bridge, it always collapsed. So the desperate builders asked for the help of Lucifer, who completed the work, claiming, in exchange, the acquisition of a soul. The local population let cross a pig on the bridge, Lucifer, astonished and angry, had to accept this unusual sacrifice, disappearing in the valley.
89 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ponte della Maddalena (conegut com a Ponte del Diavolo)
One of the most beautiful and oldest exemples of humpback bridge, it was erected in the twelfth century by the Countess Matilde di Canossa,it’s characterized by 5 beautiful asymmetrical arches mirroring on the Serchio river. The old legend says that this old bridge was completed with Devil help ; when local workers were trying to complete the great central arch of the bridge, it always collapsed. So the desperate builders asked for the help of Lucifer, who completed the work, claiming, in exchange, the acquisition of a soul. The local population let cross a pig on the bridge, Lucifer, astonished and angry, had to accept this unusual sacrifice, disappearing in the valley.
Verrucole fortress, located near San Romano in Garfagnana, in the tiny village of Verrucole, is one of the most interesting and best preserved examples of medieval military buildings of the Garfagnana region. The structure is placed on top of a long and narrow hill.today, the fortress houses the “Archeopark”: a real interactive area where costumed guides will accompany visitors to discover the secrets of the old buildings and of the medieval lifestyle. It will also be possible for everyone, children and adults, to participate to several educational workshops.
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fortezza delle Verrucole Castillo
Via del ForteVerrucole fortress, located near San Romano in Garfagnana, in the tiny village of Verrucole, is one of the most interesting and best preserved examples of medieval military buildings of the Garfagnana region. The structure is placed on top of a long and narrow hill.today, the fortress houses the “Archeopark”: a real interactive area where costumed guides will accompany visitors to discover the secrets of the old buildings and of the medieval lifestyle. It will also be possible for everyone, children and adults, to participate to several educational workshops.
The Rocca Ariostesca is the symbol of the city. This structure owes the name to the poet Ludovico Ariosto, who was sent by Alfonso d’Este, Duke of Ferrara, to lead the Garfagnana region between 1522 and 1525. The Rocca, dating back to the twelfth century, was later expanded with the addition of the tower on which the town clock is set, the terrace facing the square and, of course, the stone portal of access to the city center. The Rocca was damaged during the Second World War and later restored, it houses today the archaeological museum in which are preserved remains of ancient peoples (called “Apuani”) who inhabited the Garfagnana and Apuan alps in prehistoric times.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rocca Ariostesca
8-10 Via Vittorio EmanueleThe Rocca Ariostesca is the symbol of the city. This structure owes the name to the poet Ludovico Ariosto, who was sent by Alfonso d’Este, Duke of Ferrara, to lead the Garfagnana region between 1522 and 1525. The Rocca, dating back to the twelfth century, was later expanded with the addition of the tower on which the town clock is set, the terrace facing the square and, of course, the stone portal of access to the city center. The Rocca was damaged during the Second World War and later restored, it houses today the archaeological museum in which are preserved remains of ancient peoples (called “Apuani”) who inhabited the Garfagnana and Apuan alps in prehistoric times.
The “Grotta del Vento” (Cave of the Wind), located near Fornovolasco (Municipality of Vergemoli), is one of the best-known caves in the world. Inside, various paths were created to allow visitors to see the wonders of that part of nature that normally remains hidden from their eyes: stalactites, stalagmites, columns, alabaster draperies, underground rivers etc.. .
158 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Grotta del Vento
The “Grotta del Vento” (Cave of the Wind), located near Fornovolasco (Municipality of Vergemoli), is one of the best-known caves in the world. Inside, various paths were created to allow visitors to see the wonders of that part of nature that normally remains hidden from their eyes: stalactites, stalagmites, columns, alabaster draperies, underground rivers etc.. .
Passo del Vestito is the pass to reach the sea. The road starts in a beautiful gorge and arrives to the typical stunning marble quarries of the Apuan Alps. Highly recommended. Just 30 minutes by car from the villa.
Passo del Vestito
Passo del Vestito is the pass to reach the sea. The road starts in a beautiful gorge and arrives to the typical stunning marble quarries of the Apuan Alps. Highly recommended. Just 30 minutes by car from the villa.
The village of Isola Santa is located on the road connecting the Garfagnana to the sea. Visitors can reach it driving for about 13 km along the provincial road SP13 from Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. The small village is located on the left side and it appears to the visitor’s eyes as a sort of fairy-tale village, with its lovely stone-built houses, the nice church with the bell tower, the lush vegetation surrounding the small lake, the rock cliffs that frame the wild and narrow valley of the river Turrite Secca. For those wishing to discover this small village and the surrounding nature, we recommend to walk on one of the many trails starting from the center of Isola Santa.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Isola Santa
The village of Isola Santa is located on the road connecting the Garfagnana to the sea. Visitors can reach it driving for about 13 km along the provincial road SP13 from Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. The small village is located on the left side and it appears to the visitor’s eyes as a sort of fairy-tale village, with its lovely stone-built houses, the nice church with the bell tower, the lush vegetation surrounding the small lake, the rock cliffs that frame the wild and narrow valley of the river Turrite Secca. For those wishing to discover this small village and the surrounding nature, we recommend to walk on one of the many trails starting from the center of Isola Santa.
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro is a "must see" in the center of the old walled town of Lucca. The ring of buildings surrounding the square, follows the elliptical shape of the former second century Roman amphitheater.
It's near to one of the main monuments of the town such as the medieval Guinigi tower that can be visited till the top.
The shopping street, via Fillungo, is just beside Piazza Anfiteatro.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plaza Anfiteatro
Piazza dell'AnfiteatroPiazza dell'Anfiteatro is a "must see" in the center of the old walled town of Lucca. The ring of buildings surrounding the square, follows the elliptical shape of the former second century Roman amphitheater.
It's near to one of the main monuments of the town such as the medieval Guinigi tower that can be visited till the top.
The shopping street, via Fillungo, is just beside Piazza Anfiteatro.
Getting Around
E-bikes rental (electric MTB) with/without mtb local guide.
Highly recommended to explore the beautiful trails of Garfagnana.
Garfagnana MTB Sharing
32 Viale Giovanni PascoliE-bikes rental (electric MTB) with/without mtb local guide.
Highly recommended to explore the beautiful trails of Garfagnana.
Castelnuovo di Garfagnana railway station connects the Garfagnana to Lucca and other towns of Tuscany like Pisa. Highly recommended for those who like to avoid city trafic.
Stazione Fs Castelnuovo G.Na station
Castelnuovo di Garfagnana railway station connects the Garfagnana to Lucca and other towns of Tuscany like Pisa. Highly recommended for those who like to avoid city trafic.
Ottavio Viaggi
32 Via I MaggioShuttle service from/to the villa
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 2
2 Via Vittorio EmanueleParking
Piazzale Marionetti
Piazzale MarionettiParking and bus station
Entertainment & Activities
One of the best adventure parks near the villa.
Perfect for all the family.
Inside the Park it’s possible to take part in a variety of activities, to spend a day immersed in nature, sport, fun and adventure. (highly recommended)
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parco Avventura Selva del Buffardello
11 Viale Eugenio MatteiOne of the best adventure parks near the villa.
Perfect for all the family.
Inside the Park it’s possible to take part in a variety of activities, to spend a day immersed in nature, sport, fun and adventure. (highly recommended)
A breath-taking leap, a thrilling flight 1500 mt long. You’ll have the possibility to cross the lake and fly over the old town of Vagli Sotto, at a height of more or less 350 mt. You’ll fly connected to a steel cable with the specific safety equipment.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zip Line Vagli Park
2 Via EuropaA breath-taking leap, a thrilling flight 1500 mt long. You’ll have the possibility to cross the lake and fly over the old town of Vagli Sotto, at a height of more or less 350 mt. You’ll fly connected to a steel cable with the specific safety equipment.
Levigliese park is located near the village of Vergemoli, not far from “Grotta del Vento". The offer of outdoor activities that visitors can perform is large. It includes: 9 climbing walls, with different difficulty levels, 1 climbing wall for kids, 3 canyoning tracks 1 canyoning track for kids, 1 sensory itinerary, 8 dry waterfalls to descend, canoying and rafting, scuba diving in local lake, diving platforms (from 3 to 16 meters), trekking, speleology (3 caves to explore. Reservation is required)
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parco Avventura Levigliese
Località TrombaccoLevigliese park is located near the village of Vergemoli, not far from “Grotta del Vento". The offer of outdoor activities that visitors can perform is large. It includes: 9 climbing walls, with different difficulty levels, 1 climbing wall for kids, 3 canyoning tracks 1 canyoning track for kids, 1 sensory itinerary, 8 dry waterfalls to descend, canoying and rafting, scuba diving in local lake, diving platforms (from 3 to 16 meters), trekking, speleology (3 caves to explore. Reservation is required)
This adventure park is located near the Village of Vergemoli too, not far from Parco del Levigliese and "Grotta del Vento".
The selection of sport activities of this park is mainly based on canyoning.
Canyoning consists of descending streams with ropes and jumps, wearing appropriate wetsuit and shoes, protective helmet and harness.
Two available paths:
“Rio Pinguini” within Parco del Battiferro: it is a canyoning initiation in the crystalline waters of Turrite stream, suitable for adults and children. This canoyng experience has a duration of about one hour. Price is € 10 per person.
“Fogliaio”: it represents a more advanced level of canyoning in a spectacular natural setting .
Parco del Battiferro
Via San PellegrinettoThis adventure park is located near the Village of Vergemoli too, not far from Parco del Levigliese and "Grotta del Vento".
The selection of sport activities of this park is mainly based on canyoning.
Canyoning consists of descending streams with ropes and jumps, wearing appropriate wetsuit and shoes, protective helmet and harness.
Two available paths:
“Rio Pinguini” within Parco del Battiferro: it is a canyoning initiation in the crystalline waters of Turrite stream, suitable for adults and children. This canoyng experience has a duration of about one hour. Price is € 10 per person.
“Fogliaio”: it represents a more advanced level of canyoning in a spectacular natural setting .
A great experience that our territory allows is the Canyon Park: it is an aerial route, consisting of metal cable ways and tibetan bridges, located in one of the narrowest gorge of the Lima creek valley, just near the village of Bagni di Lucca.
Visitors can also swim and dive into the creek or try the paddle board experience.
93 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Canyon Park - Adventure Park
Loc Via ScestaA great experience that our territory allows is the Canyon Park: it is an aerial route, consisting of metal cable ways and tibetan bridges, located in one of the narrowest gorge of the Lima creek valley, just near the village of Bagni di Lucca.
Visitors can also swim and dive into the creek or try the paddle board experience.
Essentials
Conad
5 Via ValmairaConad Superstore - Supermarket
SNC Via di FondovalleBig supermarket
Coop
698 /a Via EmiliaSupermarket