Itineries amongst a different type of nature can be discovered from La Spezia into the Magra Valley.
Climbing up towards Buonviaggio from La Spezia, the visitors will be surprised by the hillside towns seen from the road, Valeriano and above Vezzano Ligure, the antique town renowned for its resdents, which slopes down to the river Magra, and after Bolano which is rooted on a singular hill and has a view of the Lunigiana.
After the descent from Buonviaggio one can get to Calice al Cornoviglio with its famous Castle of the Malaspina family.
Crossing the bridge over the Magra along the Buonviaggio road the visitors arrive at S.Stefano Magra with its 17th century church and then along the ancient Cisa road to Sarzana.
The other side of the Magra Valley follows the river flow as far as its mouth where it joins the sea at Bocca di Magra.
Shortly after leaving La Spezia one encounters Arcola with its turreted castle (now the town hall) and pentagonal tower. Then Trebiano the diocesan seat and after,, the Magra widens towards its mouth where one can see numerous villas and campsites along the river.
In picturesque surroundings on the borders with Carrara. Castelnuovo Magra, one comes across the remains of the Malaspina castle where Dante who was the procuratore for the Malaspinas in 1306 signed a peace treaty with the bishop of Luni Antonio Da Camilla. The parish church is renowned its painting by Brueghel of "La Salita al Calvario".
Ortonovo with its narrow medioeval streets and then of course ancient Nicola where the nearby "Santuario del Mirteto" was an aim for piligrimmages. The most renowned artistic and historical memories are to be found at Luni with its Roman Amphitheatre where classical productions are still shown, to enthralled audiences.
The size of Roman Luni can be seen from its Basilica and the remains of the ancient city and the Archeological Museum renewed in 1988, particularly in the religous architecture section. Outside one can see a number of sites of excavated Roman town and excavations are still underway where numerous archeological finds can be seen and studied.
The charming town of Sarzana also harbours a wealth of artistic and historical memories, in particular its splendid Cathedral which itself constitutes a collection of the history of art (a Romanic portal, a Gothic pediment and inside the Baroque altar and ceiling). Inside the Cathedral there are also a number of paintings by Flasella known as "Il Sarzana" (1600), paintings by Solimena, 2 ambos by Riccomanno, San Gerolamo by Andrea Della Robbia, and a Crucifix from the Lucca School by Mastro Guitelmo (1138) which is the oldest existingcrucifix paited on wood, in the world.
It is also worthwhile to stay longer in Sarzana to visit the other churches namely: S. Andrea, San Francesco and la Chiesa dei Cappuccini. In the S.Andrea church recent digshave brought to light remains of a pre-existent church, and in the S. Franceso church one can admire some remarkable sculptures and further in Palazzo Picadi, the imposing wrought iron gate should be noticed. The Castle of Sarzana leave memories that last (the Firmafede Fort and the Sarzanello Castle built by Castruccio Castracani) and also the high towers (Torrioni).
The town is well known for its artisan workshops and antique shops. In fact, in August two antique fairs take place in the open air along the street of the town.
Tourists are well catered for in the Magra Valley, above all in Sarzana and Marinella.
All the costal area from the mouth of the Magra to the borders with Carrara are well equipped with hotels of all categories, camsites, guest houses and restaurants.
The numerous beaches in the area are well equipped for water sports, and the local nightspots offer good entertainment.
The wines: Vermentino Dco from the hills around Luni, white and rosè from hillsides af Castelnuovo Magra and Ortonovo; red and white from Bolano (Tirolo), Aleatico from Sarticola, whites from Vezzano and Arcola (Tocai).
The Magra Valley borders with Tuscany and because of its position road and rail services are good. There is also a well equipped airport catering for tourist at Luni.
Touristic information(0187 thelephon prefix)
Pro Loco Arcola
tel. 986683
Castelnuovo Magra
tel. 674290
Montemarcello
tel. 601034
Ortonovo
tel. 690111
The Sarzanello Fort
for visit tel.623025 or 610320
Ancient Luni National Archeological Museum
(Ortonovo - tel.66811)
Opening times 9am - 7pm every days
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