Molazzana between the Serchio and Apuan Alps

Molazzana between the Serchio and Apuan Alps

The municipality of Molazzana extends from the right bank of the Serchio River to the peaks of Pania della Croce (1,859 metres), Pania Secca and Pizzo delle Saette. Within this area, vineyards and olive groves, chestnut and beech forests, and the limestone bastions of the Apuan Alps follow one another. In June, these bastions are adorned with impressive blossoms. This creates a landscape for you that brings together proximity to the river, a cultivated landscape, forest and rocky heights in a single destination.

CAI trails with varied landscapes

The mountain character is particularly clear on CAI Trail No. 7. It begins at Piglionico in the heart of the municipality of Molazzana and leads to Rifugio Enrico Rossi and Pania della Croce, one of the most distinctive peaks of the Apuan Alps. The well-marked and signposted trail passes through cool forests, over steep slopes and along old stone steps. If you are looking for varied terrain while hiking, this route combines forest sections, hillside terrain and stony stretches of trail.

CAI Trail No. 127 follows a different route. It also begins at Piglionico, initially follows Trail No. 7 and then branches off towards Mosceta. The trail runs along a mountain slope through shady forests and beside extensive scree fields. Along the way, there are views of Pania della Croce, Monte Sumbra and the surrounding peaks.

Several CAI trails branch off from Alpe di Sant’Antonio to Rifugio Enrico Rossi. This brings routes beyond Piglionico into focus, while the destinations and landscapes of the individual trails remain distinct.

Peaks and nature around Molazzana

Pania Secca and Pizzo delle Saette are peaks in the area around Molazzana. Monte Pania della Croce and Monte Forato are mountains in the same area.

Local speciality and cultural heritage

The local character also includes Criscioletta from Cascio. It is one of Italy’s traditional agri-food products and adds a culinary accent alongside the area’s mountain and cultural themes.

The Museo Linea Gotica Garfagnana was established by the Comitato Linea Gotica Garfagnana in the former Don Bosco primary school in Molazzana.

Museums in the wider regional area

The wider regional area around Molazzana is home to four other museums: the Museo archeologico di Camaiore, the Museo Archeologico Versiliese "b. Antonucci", the Barbara Paci Galleria d'Arte and the Galleria Petrarte. If you coordinate your accommodation and daily planning with different interests in mind, you can combine the local mountain theme with archaeology and art in the wider area. The four museums should therefore be planned as destinations in the wider regional area around Molazzana, not as museums in the town itself.

Other places for orientation:Sassi, Fosciandora, Marlia, Montecarlo, Pieve Fosciana, Barga, Capannori, Campolemisi.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lucca.