Barga is a locality in Garfagnana which has been rewarded as “città slow”, “bandiera arancione” and one of Italy’s best “borghi”. It’s one of the most important and biggest villages in the province of Lucca and it stands out on the top of its mountains, surrounded by green woods, fields and beautiful natural lakes. As well as being a noteworthy historical, cultural and artistic center, Barga grants you a relaxing stay during which you’ll be able to take part to some organized activities in its nature, such as trekking or horse riding excursions.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO SEE IN BARGA?
You probably didn’t know that a well-known Italian poet called Giovanni Pascoli lived here: that’s why you can’t skip the visit to “Casa Pascoli” in Castelvecchio Garfagnana, a village in the surroundings, where he stayed for about seventeen years and where he decidied to be buried. The house is now a museum that can be visited, as it conserves some Pascoli’s works and its original home furnishings. Moreover, its garden is the location of special events, shows and exhibitions, like the “Festival dei bambini” in August (Museum opening hours: from October 1st to March 31st: Tuesday 2 pm-5:15 pm, from Wednesday to Sunday 9:30 am-1 pm and 2:30 pm-5:15 pm; from April 1st to September 30th: Tuesday 3:30pm-6:45pm and from Wednesday to Sunday 10:30am-1pm and 3pm-6:45pm).
Another place linked to this poet is the “Teatro dei Differenti”, where he pronounced his speech in 1911 in favor of the war in Libya. Th theater was built in 1795 over a pre-existing 1689 structure and it still preserves the original architectural elements.
In Barga, you also need to see the magnificent Dome or “Collegiata di San Cristoforo”, built between the XI and the XVI century in Romanic style. Inside there are some ancient frescos, sculptures, stoups and a wooden statue dedicated to the city patron.
Furthermore, don’t forget to discover Palazzo Balduini, Palazzo Angeli, Palazzo Pancrazi, Caffè Capretz, Loggia Mercanti, Palazzo Podestà, Chiesa del Santissimo Crocifisso, Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata and the “Museo Civico del territorio di Barga” in Palazzo Pretorio (Museum opening hours: from June 1st to September 30th 10am-12:30pm, 2:30pm-5pm. Booking is needed)!
LOCAL FOOD AND EVENTS
During your holiday, also remember to taste some local delights, like lake trouts, mushrooms, chestnuts and vegetable soups: all the ingredients are found in this area and they’re totally natural.
What are you waiting for? A vacation in Garfagnana is a must-do in Tuscany, so check our villas in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana (LU) and choose your favorite between Villa il Nido and Villa Saida!
