If you went to visit the “Rocchetta Mattei” (Rocchetta Mattei) , you certainly should have a stop at the ancient village “La Scola”, about 10 km away.

It is a complex of tower houses joined by arches dating back to 15th and 16th century.
This little Apennine village survived intact since it is far from the main roads of the valley.

A short history:
Maybe inhabited since 11th century, while the first official document (dated 1375) is a cadastral survey drawing up a list of the inhabitants.
At first it was a watch post on the border of the Exarchate against the Lombards of Pistoia.
Between 12th and 14th century a strong agricultural expansion originated the present village and, thanks to the work of the Comacine Masters, the fortifications were transformed in houses, barns and drying rooms.
And this is the image that the visitor can today admire with a sense of wonder.

A staff comment:
Nestled in the Apennines, there are many villages connected to our historical past: all of them should be rediscovered and carefully preserved.

For more info:
Sculca

Thanks to our friend Giulio Pettenò for the material of this special report.