Pieve Fosciana: Culture, Festivals and Nature

A destination with many facets

Pieve Fosciana appeals to different travel interests: historic architecture, archaeological finds, regional festivals, hiking and nature observation. Rather than focusing on just one theme, you can tailor your stay to the specific places, dates and landscapes that interest you most.

Churches, Museum and Special Heritage

The cultural and historical themes include several different points of interest. The Eremo di Capraia was completely renovated at the initiative of the local population and municipal administration. The parish church of San Giovanni Battista was built in the Romanesque style around the 11th century. The MuGar – Archaeological Museum of the Garfagnana – houses archaeological artefacts discovered in the Garfagnana. It displays a bronze cuirass from Cima la Foce dating from the Late Bronze Age, around the 11th century BC. It is considered almost unique in Italy. The Church of San Magno is one of the monuments in Pieve Fosciana worth visiting.

Sillico and the Via Vandelli

In Sillico, the “Divini & Sapori” festival takes place every year on the first weekend of July. The castle tower of Sillico dates from the 12th to the 13th century. During Sillico’s Renaissance festival, which is dedicated to the village’s bandits, the two entrances to the village are closed by large gates.

The Via Vandelli is a long-distance hiking trail approximately 150 kilometres long, divided into seven stages, connecting Modena with Massa, crossing the Garfagnana and leading to Pieve Fosciana, where it meets the Via Matildica del Volto Santo. If you are planning a longer hiking trip, you can assess this route based on the stages and the approximate total length.

Festivals and Local Specialities

The festivals also mark notable dates throughout the year. The Festa dei pastori takes place every year on the last Sunday in July at the Lame di Capraia. In Pieve Fosciana, the Festa del Formenton 8 file takes place every year on the Sunday before August begins. Pieve Fosciana’s traditional Tasting Walk takes place in early August and offers local specialities prepared according to centuries-old recipes. The Regoli family mill is still in operation.

Lakes and Nature Observation

Nature can be observed at two very different bodies of water. At Lago di Pontecosi, there are year-round opportunities for walking, fishing and birdwatching. Prà di Lama is the only lake of natural origin in the Garfagnana and is fed by underground springs. If you would like to divide your days between culture, activity and nature observation, these themes provide different starting points for planning your personal trip.

More Places to Include in Your Plans

You can also consider Gramolazzo, Castelnuovo Di Garfagnana, Pugliano, Massarosa, Gorfigliano and San Romano In Garfagnana as additional destinations.

For the broader travel overview: Lucca.