Fornaci Di Barga: Art, Churches and Trails

Fornaci di Barga combines contemporary art, churches, local festivals and markets with trails through several places. The B1 routes and “La Valle del Bello e del Buono in bicicletta” pass through several places.

Art and Churches in Fornaci

The MUDY Museo Dynamo displays a selection of contemporary artworks. They emerged from the artistic approach developed as part of the activities of Dynamo Camp. The Cristo Redentore church is Fornaci’s main church and features a modern architectural style. Inside, there is a Christ mosaic; the church was consecrated on September 27, 1974.

In Fornaci Vecchia stands the Church of the Santissimo Nome di Maria. Its foundation dates back to 1741, and the first Mass was celebrated there on December 12, 1742. On January 30, 1923, the church was elevated to parish status. The new parish was dedicated to the Santissimo Nome di Maria, the Most Holy Name of Mary.

Memorial Sites and Local Traditions

At the northern entrance to Fornaci stands the Monumento ai caduti del mare: a large anchor sculpture in the central median of the intersection between the Ponte Puccetti and the SR 445. The monument commemorates those who died at sea and Fornaci’s maritime tradition.

Festivals also reflect the town’s recurring themes. In December 2024, the Festa di Santa Barbara had been a tradition in Fornaci di Barga for ten years.

Hiking and Cycling Between Several Places

The B1 hiking trail is 13.0 kilometers long and takes approximately four hours to walk. Its route passes through Barga, Tiglio, Seggiane, Loppia and Fornaci di Barga, before returning to Barga. The approximate walking time is just as relevant to planning the day as the route length: anyone hiking the B1 should set aside a longer block of time for the loop. The return to Barga is also part of planning the time required for the B1 loop.

The “La Valle del Bello e del Buono in bicicletta” cycling tour leads successively to Piano di Coreglia and Fornaci di Barga and completes the loop in Gallicano. For the cycling tour, the endpoint at Gallicano must be included when planning the return journey for the loop. Piano di Coreglia and Fornaci di Barga are passed through in this order.

Market and Everyday Life

In 2024, the farmers’ market in Fornaci di Barga was held on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Piazza Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa. The selection included fresh fruit and vegetables as well as dairy products, cured meats and meat. Honey, preserves, pasta, wine and traditional liqueurs were also available. Forest products and dried pulses were offered as well. Local handicrafts complemented the food stalls. The 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. time window limits market visits to the morning.

The children’s play area in Parco Felice Menichini was completely renovated in 2018.

Further Places for Orientation

Albiano, Castelvecchio Pascoli

For the higher-level travel overview: Barga.