GARFAGNANA Spelt Tour
This tour
will introduce you to special places, people and traditions of Garfagnana, an
area generally outside the classic Tuscany itineraries. The subject of the whole
day will be the spelt, a type of antique grain that fed the Roman Empire army
2000 years ago, now rediscovered for its healthy properties.
The price is Euro € 130 including a guide speaking your language, lunch
with farro dishes, literature, transportation by car or minibus. 50%
discount for children under 12.
Program limited to 8 people. (Only on Thursdays, in June, July and August)
WHAT
WE ARE GOING TO VISIT
- Ponte del Diavolo - Certainly the most famous construction of
the village is the "Ponte della Maddalena", better known as the "Ponte del
Diavolo" (Devil's bridge), which dates back the XVI century. It is said, however,
that it was constructed at the request of the Countess Matilde. It is formed
by three minor arches and by a fourth one which climbs up precipitously above
the level of the river.
- Visit of an artisanal cheese factory near Castelnuovo.
- Garfagnana Coop Farm - The farm was born in 1995 with 20
members in order to protect the survival of the spelt, rather than starting
a business of organic products. The care is to promote the diffusion of this
important cereal that represents the history of the Garfagnana land and the
cultural traditions of local people. Beside the spelt, the farm also produces
organic marmalades, chestnut flour and dried mushrooms.
- Lunch based on farro dishes at specialized country
restaurant
- Fortezza delle Verrucole - The Fortezza delle Verrucole,
situated at an altitude of 655 metres above sea level, is perhaps the most
significant monument, for its interesting historical background, of the municipality.
Already famous in the Middle Ages, it underwent reconstruction in the XVI
century and became the stronghold of the house of Este. It was part of an
ambitious system of defence that dominated a large area of Garfagnana. In
fact, it was initially made of two strongholds, the square stronghold to the
south and the round one to the north, which were linked to one another in
the XVI century by Marco Antonio Pasini by means of long walls that encircled
the entire hilltop. Today, of this glorious construction remains the massive
external walls. Its dominating position on the hill gives us the opportunity
to enjoy one of the most beautiful sightseeing of Garfagnana.
Aolmaia Country Service can help you to organize your visit
and stay.
For reservations and info, please write to:
service@aolmaia.com
