Villa Collemandina between forest trails and local culture

Villa Collemandina lies at the foot of the Pania di Corfino massif. At higher elevations, beech and coniferous forests give way to the mountain meadows of the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park.

Forest and mountain landscapes

A particularly tangible natural site is the “Maria Ansaldi” Botanical Garden: it is located in the municipality of Villa Collemandina at an elevation of 1,370 metres, in a clearing within a beech forest in the Parco Naturale dell'Orecchiella. The garden has numerous short paths that lead through different areas showcasing various aspects of the plant landscape of the Apennine Garfagnana. The elevation and forest setting give the visit a clear connection with nature, while the short sections of trail provide different views of the vegetation.

Trails from Corfino

From Corfino, the Pania di Corfino state nature reserve can be reached on foot via CAI trails no. 56 and 58. The “Airone 1” trail leads from Corfino to the Pania di Corfino nature reserve, forms a complete loop around the Pania massif and climbs to the main summit. The “Scaloni e Monte Vecchio” route also passes through the municipality of Villa Collemandina. Pleasant walks are possible in the Parco dell’Orecchiella.

Wildlife and water

The forests of the Parco dell’Orecchiella are home to, among other species, Apennine wolves, deer, mouflon and golden eagles. This makes the forest a place where, alongside walking, attention to wildlife can also play a role. Below the Villa Collemandina reservoir, the stream is suitable for picnics and sport fishing; the lake itself is currently empty due to extraordinary dam maintenance work. The entrance to the Tana di Magnano is next to the road and is easy to access.

Cultural traces in the villages

In Corfino, the Santuario della Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso houses a 16th-century panel depicting the Virgin Mary with the Child. The Madonna di Caravaggio church in Pianacci dates from the 19th century. Finds discovered near Sassorosso point to human presence since prehistoric times.

Local character and rural cuisine

Sassorosso is associated with the extraction of high-quality red marble, known as “saxo rubeo”. This marble gives the landscape and the village’s buildings a distinctive colouring. In Corfino, traditional dishes from rural cuisine are presented during the “Un passo nel passato” food tour at Ferragosto. The Sagra della Trota is a culinary event in Villa Collemandina. Here, you can combine observing the landscape and exploring the history of the villages with concrete insights into local food culture.

Other places: Sassorosso, Massa, Corfino.

For the overarching travel overview: Lucca.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Gorfigliano, Vallico di Sotto, Motrone, Corsanico, Sant'Anna di Stazzema.