Garfagnana

Most people who visit Tuscany never hear of Garfagnana. It's not a lack of interest, it's a lack of exposure: the region is located north of the province of Lucca, between the Apuan Alps and the Apennines, and historically it was a place of passage, not a destination.

A mountain economy

Chestnuts (chestnut flour, "necci", "castagnaccio") sustained entire generations in Garfagnana during periods of famine and isolation. Farro, another traditional crop of the region, still has a protected designation of origin (Farro della Garfagnana IGP). It is an economy that has never depended on tourism, and this has preserved agricultural and culinary practices that have disappeared in more exposed areas.

Trails and scenery

As Apuan Alps They offer some of the most challenging and least frequented trails in Tuscany, including access to the ancient marble quarries that also supply Carrara and Versilia. Villages such as Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Stable and Castiglione di Garfagnana They preserve intact medieval architecture, without the real estate pressure that has transformed other areas of the region.

Connection with Lucca

Garfagnana is territory within the province of Lucca itself. less than an hour's drive from the historic centerFor those already living in Lucca and seeking contact with nature without having to travel to another region of Tuscany, it's the most direct option. For those considering moving, it also offers a lower cost of living than the walled city.

Looking for hiking trails in the Garfagnana mountain range starting in Lucca? Check out the content of our [link/resource]. posts about trails and nature.