Lunigiana is a borderland between Liguria and Emilia stretching beyond the Apuan Alps which is characterized by a peculiar historical and cultural identity which time hasn’t changed. Geographically, the area coincides with the Magra River basin; half Tuscany, half Liguria. Culturally and linguistically, though, the territory is much larger and comprises the provinces of Massa Carrara and La Spezia, part of Pietrasanta, and the high Garfagnana and Taro valleys. Numerous traces of its intense history can still be seen and visited: pristine medieval villages and over 100 castles.

Aulla is the largest town in Lunigiana. Due to its size and location (it connects the valleys to the main railways and roads) the city of Aulla occupies a central position in the region. This narrow territory between the Magra and Aulella rivers provided the main setting for the most important religious and cultural events before 1000AD. In 884 Adalberto of Tuscany founded a village and castle to accommodate pilgrims traveling the via Francigena. Here Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, stopped on his journey home from Rome. The city is dominated by the Brunella Fortress, bought by Lina Watterfield in the early 20th century, which hosts a museum of natural history of the region.

Located on the hills surrounding Aulla, Caprigliola is one of the most interesting and well preserved medieval towns of the Val di Magra. Throughout the centuries the city was enriched by its different masters; the city walls were built starting from 1558 by the Medici family, according to the highest standards for military architecture. The town developed on the slope of a hill and is dominated by a cylindrical tower.

Portovenere is loved by tourists for its spectacular views of surrounding scenery, its colorful rock-houses, and the beautiful St. Peter’s church over the sea.

Lerici is located in the eastern end of the “Gulf of the poets” and characterized by an imposing castle. Its many villas, gardens and beaches enchanted the English Romantics. Its moderate climate allow visitors to enjoy the little town all year round.

The Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera. The Cinque Terre is renowned for its beauty. Over the centuries, terraces have been carefully built on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs overlooking the sea. Part of its charm is the lack of any visible “modern” development. Paths, trains and boats connect the villages while cars cannot access the area. The Cinque Terre is a very popular tourist destination.