Castelnuovo Garfagnana, chief town and heart of the Garfagnana, is at the confluence of the river Serchio and the crystal clear stream “Turrite Secca”.
Placed between the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine (east) and the Alpi Apuane (west), its territory should be visited or chosen for a relaxing holiday.

A short history:
First testimonies date back to 740 A.D. and since 870 it was encircled by walls.
It voluntarily submitted to the Este family and acquired important privileges, becoming chief town of the area and seat of commissioners and governors. Among these ones the poets Lodovico Ariosto (his bedroom can be visited in the fortress) and Fulvio Testi.

A curiosity:
At the entrance of the town hall there is the first Italian electric vehicle, precursor of the today’s electric cars.

Among the dainty local products we mention:

• the spelt of the Garfagnana I.G.P.
• the chestnut meal D.O.P.
• the acacia and chestnut honey
• the “pecorino”, hard cheese made from ewe’s milk
• the “formenton otto file”, the old local maize
• the “biroldo”, tasty salami
• the “pasimata”, Easter cake
• mushrooms (edible boletus), sold in the local markets

A suggestion for driving lovers, especially for the riders:
Drive along the provincial road from Castelnuovo to Serravezza (via di Arni, SP13), with the long tunnel of the Cipollaio or Foro (1230 y) and admire the Alpi Apuane then stop at Isola Santa (lake and village), at about 7.9 ml from Castelnuovo.
Otherwise, at Giannelli, turn right toward Massa (via dei Colli).

For more info:
wikipedia: Castelnuovo di Garfagnana
wikipedia: rocca Ariostesca