From Ponzano Superiore to Sarzana
Coming down from Ponzano to Sarzana, our itinerary reaches the ruins of the Castle of the Brina, one of the most interesting archaeological sites of historical Lunigiana. Numerous excavation works (2000-2013) have made it possible to piece together the story of this fortification, from the Iron Age to the present day. In the centre of the area, the remains of the mighty medieval round tower that dominated the castle, demolished in the 14th century, are still visible. From the ruins of the castle, the path goes down steeply until it reaches the plaines behind Sarzana.
Landmarks
Born as a fortified village along the Francigena, Sarzana became the most important centre in the Val di Magra beginning from 1204, when Luni was definitively abandoned. Long disputed by the inhabitants of Pisa, Lucca, Filrenze and Genova, it was entirely surrounded by rampant walls and protected by two imposing Renaissance fortresses, the fort of Sarzanello and the Citadel called Fortezza Firmafede. Do not miss the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta which preserves an exceptional work, the astonishing crucifix by Maestro Guglielmo, signed and dating back to 1138, the oldest painted cross in Italy.
Theatre of the Impavidi
Our itinerary ends with an unexpected visit inside the splendid Theatre of the Impavidi, built in the first half of the 19th century and recently reopened to the public.
