Borgo di Aiola

Small village at the foothills of the Apuan Alps

Aiola is reached via a short mountain road that winds up the mountainside, not far from Monzone. The Apuan Alps loom over the valleys of Aulella and Lucido, but the many villages bear witness to how the area has been shaped by human presence since ancient times. At the center of the village, small yet rich in history, stands the Parish Church of Saint Maurice, which was once accompanied by Saint Martin.

Already in 1199, it was mentioned among the dependencies of the Emilian monastery of Sant’Apollonio di Canossa and later among those of the nearby Pieve of Codiponte. The masonry features ancient Romanesque elements, and in a niche, there is an old marble statue depicting the Madonna and Child.
Above the entrance portal, a beautiful marble bas-relief depicts Saint George in the typical iconography of a knight slaying the dragon.
The artwork, dating back to the early 16th century, was originally located in the Chapel of Cervara (or Corvaria) along the road between Aiola and Vinca. It was later moved to the Hermitage of San Giorgio, which stood on the mountain far from the village, founded by the Servite Fathers, and was finally embedded in the church in 1814.
Clinging to the mountainside, the spectacular ruins of the ancient castle can be reached with a short hike from the village.

How to Reach the Village of Aiola

From Aulla, follow the road to Fivizzano, passing through the villages of Pallerone, Serricciolo, and Rometta. After 3 km, turn right onto State Road 445, following signs for Gragnola.
Continue along the road, passing through Gragnola, then past the hamlet of Pian di Molino and the Monzone railway station (which is not located in the village of Monzone). Turn left onto “Via delle Cave” and follow the signs to Aiola.