Pian di Molino: Village Character, Bridge and Apuan Alps

Pian di Molino is a very small village with a few stone houses. Its panorama includes a stream and fields; the Apuan Alps appear in the background.

Oratory and Small Buildings in the Village Center

The Oratorio di Sant’Antonio Abate marks the eastern end of the village center of Pian di Molino. Its interior consists of two bays with cross vaults, separated by a central arch. Another religious building stands along the road leading to Pian di Molino and the Pieve di Viano: the Oratorio della Madonna del Popolo. One oratory stands on the edge of the village center, while the other accompanies the road to the Pieve di Viano.

Pian di Molino’s Characteristic Bridge over the Aulella

Pian di Molino is home to an impressive bridge with a large arch, built by the Malaspina of Castel dell’Aquila. A humpback bridge rises toward the center; in Pian di Molino, this form is built over the Aulella River. The bridge is connected to the road leading to the Monte dei Bianchi monastery. Known as “Ponte sul torrente Lucido - Pian di Molino,” it crosses the Aulella on three shallow segmental arches, each with a span of 18.5 meters.

Papermaking on the Torrente Lucido: Straw Paper and Packaging Cardboard

The Europaper s.p.a. paper mill in Pian di Molino has been producing straw paper since the 1950s; in 1974, the paper mill began manufacturing packaging cardboard. The factory was established here because the necessary raw materials were available: straw from agriculture and water from the Torrente Lucido, which is still drawn today. In Pian di Molino, agricultural raw materials and industrial use thus come together.

Road Connections in the Lucido Valley and to Mezzana

The SP 58 DIR UGLIANCALDO provincial road connects the SP 10 near Pian di Molino with the SP 58 at Mezzana. From Fivizzano, the village can be reached in about 15 minutes via the SS63. This approximate travel time is intended as a rough guide for this section. At Cormezzano, the route branches into the Lucido Valley; it then continues via Gassano and Gragnola.

Pioero and the CAI Trail to Equi Terme

Pian di Molino is one of the ten villages of Pioero. The drive from Aulla to the starting point of CAI Trail 192 in Equi Terme leads via Fivizzano, Gassano, Gragnola and Pian di Molino. After Monzone railway station, the route to Equi Terme branches off before Monzone Alto. For access to CAI Trail 192, Pian di Molino lies along the route; the trailhead is in Equi Terme.

More Destinations

More destinations: Licciana-Nardi, Aulla, Tresana, Fosdinovo, Podenzana, Filattiera, Massa, Gragnana

To the main travel overview: Massa-Carrara.