A small village a few kilometers from Fivizzano
A small group of houses in the Rosaro valley, well-exposed to the south, just a few kilometers from the center of Fivizzano, along the road to Agnino and Licciana. The parish of Cotto covers a vast area, including the villages of Vallazzana and Panigaletto, as well as the “villas” of Albereto and Mandria, with an ancient tradition of livestock farming, which was later replaced, starting from the 18th century, by the cultivation of vines and olive trees.
Is it a land common to many others? In part, yes, because Cotto is different: not for its size, nor for any particular vocation; here too, agriculture and livestock farming have been among the few available resources. What makes it unique is the large church with its copper dome, which towers over the houses and stands out, visible from a great distance. The ancient chapel of the village was already documented at the end of the 13th century, dependent on the Parish of San Paolo di Vendaso.
However, in 1811, the old building was in a state of decay and was entirely rebuilt in the late 19th century in its current form. It was reopened for worship in 1897, with the work nearly completed. The project was initiated by Don Giacomo Martinelli, a priest from an important family in Cotto. As stated on a plaque, the priest “conceived and built, with the sacrifice of his life, cut short at 44 years, this distinguished monument of faith and art.” He indeed died in the very year of the inauguration. He had entrusted the design of the new church to Engineer Carlo Tonelli, the same person who, during those years, had built the thermal establishment in Equi. It was an enormous expense for the small community of farmers, which was partially covered by the generous donations that Don Giacomo received from the many fellow villagers who had emigrated, particularly to the Americas.
How to Reach the Village of Cotto
From Aulla, follow the signs to reach Fivizzano. Once in Fivizzano, follow the signs for Cotto, passing the locality of Pognana. Along the way, you will pass near the Bozzi delle Fate, a beautiful spot for swimming in the summer. Continue on the road for about 3 kilometers, and you will arrive at the village of Cotto.
Nearby you can find
The Village of Fivizzano, Sacred Art Museum of San Giovanni, Malaspina Castle of Verrucola, The Arlia Mill, Lago Padule – Sassalbo, Cerreto Laghi, Pieve di San Paolo – Vendaso, Marmitte dei Giganti di Mommio, Pozze di Magliano, Bozzi delle Fate – Cascate di Fiacciano, Castle of Aquila, Tecchia di Tenerano, Bocciari Bridge, Historical Museum of Massacre in San Terenzo and Bardine, Ponte di Santa Lucia, the Village of Equi Terme, Grotte di Equi Terme, Acque Termali di Equi, Santuario della Madonna del Bosco, Meadows of Massicciano.
Lunigiana World thanks our friend Paolo Bissoli for the text on the village of Cotto.
