The mountains on the Northern side of the Apuan Alps that ring the upper valley of the Serchio and its side valleys are an area of outstanding beauty due to the variety of nature and the great expanse of woods, the morphology of the land – where steep slopes lead up to rounded summits – the superb views and the picturesque old towns and villages.

The chief town of the area is Castlenouvo di Garfagnana, at the meeting point of a road across the Apennines and one over the Apuan Alps. Nearby is Barga, with its old quarter huddled on top of a spur overlooking the valley; this preserves its medieval layout, with narrow streets and steep stairways opening into small piazzas. On the top of the hill stands the Duomo in a position commanding a splendid panoramic view; it was built in four stages, from the 9th to the 16th and 17th centuries.

Originally posted 2008-11-07 16:22:26.