Tavernelle: Village History, Via del Sale and Hiking Trails

Tavernelle brings together local history, trail routes and local traditions. If you would like to plan your trip around culture and outdoor activities with a clear connection to the area, you will find several different points of interest here – from the village center to the landscape along the Taverone.

A historic village along a single road

The historic village of Tavernelle stretches along a single road, lined mainly with buildings dating from the 15th century. Arcades, galleries and sandstone structures characterize the village. Tavernelle is also home to a fortified tower house built by Alfonso Saffi in 1516.

The Church of San Rocco in Tavernelle dates from the 16th century. It was built by the Antonetti family in the 16th century and rebuilt in 1601. This means that a single church building adds a clearly dated architectural history to the village's distinctive structure.

The Via del Sale and the origin of the village name

Tavernelle lies along the ancient Via del Sale, also known as the Via di Linari. The route connects the Val di Magra with the Passo del Lagastrello. The name Tavernelle probably derives from the numerous taverns along this ancient Via del Sale that welcomed travelers.

Hiking trails with different routes

A route named “Rif. Sarzana – Monte Sillara – Rif. Lagoni” passes through the Taverone Valley from Tavernelle. It first climbs through chestnut forests and clearings, then continues uphill through beech forests.

When planning your hikes, you can consider the other routes separately: Stage 11 of the Lunigiana Trekking route runs from Tavernelle to Comano Castello, crosses the Taverone at Tavernelle and then continues uphill towards Catognano. An easy hike runs from Tavernelle to Apella along a simple path. This path is part of the “Lunigiana Trekking” trail network and was renamed “Il Sentiero della Resistenza.” This should be distinguished from the partisan hike “Ièn andà ai monti”: it began in the village of Tavernelle, headed towards Apella and ran via Taponecco.

Along the Taverone

The Taverone complements the trails with specific landscape highlights. After about 15 minutes, the Taverone narrows near Tavernelle and forms a beautiful pool. The hike along the Taverone near Tavernelle also allows you to discover an old mill; the same hike leads to a picturesque stone bridge.

Market and chestnut tradition

Local traditions are also part of Tavernelle's character. In the center of Tavernelle, the Gradile was put back into operation as part of an initiative carried out for the second year in a row. It was put back into operation to collect chestnuts, dry them traditionally and produce chestnut flour. At the end of July, the village comes alive with the medieval market.

Practical information

Tavernelle is about 6 km from Licciana and can be reached via the SP74 del Lagastrello. This approximate distance is just as relevant to understanding the location as this road.

More destinations

More destinations to choose from: Monti, Amola, Pontebosio, Apella

To the main travel overview: Licciana-Nardi.