Stazzema: Apuan Alps, History and Cuisine of Alta Versilia

Stazzema combines mountain scenery, traces of history and the cuisine of Alta Versilia. The town is strategically located, overlooking the entire Mulina Valley. Stazzema is surrounded by the Apuan Alps and is the only entirely mountainous settlement in this part of Tuscany. It also occupies a panoramic position overlooking its numerous hamlets.

Mountains and Trails Around Stazzema

The Monte Procinto, Monte Matanna, Monte Forato and Monte Pania della Croce are located in the immediate vicinity of Stazzema. For hiking enthusiasts, a moderate route leads from Stazzema, with a short detour to the Rifugio Forte dei Marmi, to the summit of Monte Matanna and back along the same route. This route is also suitable for families with children.

Around Stazzema, near Sant’Anna di Stazzema, the Sentieri di Pace form a network of six circular trails along historic mule tracks. They bring the history of the Sant’Anna massacre and the area to life. Another landscape experience open to visitors is the Antro del Corchia: The tourist route covers approximately 2 kilometres along a steel walkway, is conducted in groups and takes about two hours. At the Antro del Corchia, the group tour, steel walkway and duration of approximately two hours are specific details for planning your visit.

Historic Sites and Museums

The Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta dates back to the Middle Ages in its written records: the first document concerning the parish church held in the archiepiscopal archives of Lucca is dated 871. In 1255, the nobles of Versilia signed an alliance there called the “Lega di Stazzema”. In the historic centre, the Torre dell’Orologio dates from 1739. The history of the area also includes the Torre dell’Argentiera, one of the defence structures still visible in Stazzema’s historic silver-mining area.

Several museums in the surrounding area provide specific cultural destinations near Stazzema: the Museo archeologico di Camaiore, the Museo D'Arte Sacra, the Museo Archeologico Versiliese “b. Antonucci” and the Barbara Paci Galleria d'Arte.

Chestnuts and the Cuisine of Alta Versilia

The local character is also reflected in the connection with the chestnut tradition. Stazzema has several metati associated with the tradition of drying chestnuts. Dishes associated with the cuisine of Alta Versilia include Tordelli versiliesi, ravioli seasoned with ragù, as well as desserts made with chestnut flour, such as Castagnaccio and Ciacci with ricotta. Ballotti, chestnuts cooked with fennel seeds, are also part of this cuisine.

More Places to Compare

If you would like to compare Stazzema with other places, you can also visit Farnocchia, Levigliani, Culla, Retignano, Palagnana and Terrinca. You can also use Porcari and Trassilico for comparison.

More about Lucca.