The Village at the Foot of Mount Pizzo d’Uccello
The village of Equi Terme is located in the eastern part of Lunigiana, at an altitude of 250 meters, and is one of the most important districts of the municipality of Fivizzano.
The town is perched on the slopes of Mount Pizzo d’Uccello, one of the highest peaks of the Apuan Alps, thus dominating from above a large part of the Lucido Valley. Equi Terme is crossed by two rivers: the Lucido and the Rio Catenella, and its name comes from the thermal sulfur springs.
These springs have been used since ancient times, and the area was certainly inhabited even in prehistoric times, as evidenced by the findings at the Tecchia of the Equi Caves and the Buca. From the Roman era, we know for sure that there were thermal baths, which were buried in 1894 during the construction of the more modern thermal complex.
Between the village of Equi and Mount Pizzo d’Uccello lies a rocky canyon called the “Solco di Equi,” created by the geological phenomena of the glacial period.
Until the year 1000, Equi Terme was under the control of the Pieve of Codiponte (municipality of Casola in Lunigiana), which then passed under the control of Spinetta the Great (Malaspina family) in the 14th century. Upon his death, Spinetta left everything to the Malaspina Marquis of Fosdinovo. In 1366, the entire area of Equi came under the dominion of the lords of Castel dell’Aquila in Gragnola, and in 1418, it passed under the protection of the Republic of Florence, as did many other territories in Lunigiana.
In 1451, the domain of Equi passed from Florence to Castiglione del Terziere of Bagnone (captaincy of the Florentine Republic in Lunigiana).
Equi Terme and its territory were incorporated into the territories of Fivizzano in 1726.
The village of Equi Terme underwent several expansions over time and is still divided into two parts. The ancient medieval section, entirely built in stone and characterized by steep stone alleys and vaulted galleries, which houses the Church of San Francesco, is located on the left bank of the Lucido River. Meanwhile, the more recent part developed during the early 20th century on the opposite bank, thanks to the economic growth brought by the opening of the thermal baths and the construction of the railway connecting Lunigiana to Lucca.
Today, in Equi, it is possible to visit the Caves and its Tecchia, go on a zipline ride over the Lucido River, and visit the thermal waters for free, thanks to the AlterEco guide association and the creation of the Community Cooperative “Equi Terme Comunità Ospitale.”
How to Reach the Village of Equi Terme
From Aulla, take the road with signs for Fivizzano. Pass through the areas of Pallerone and Rometta. After about 12 kilometers, turn right onto the SR445, marked with signs for Monzone/Gragnola/Gassano. After passing Gragnola, follow the signs for Equi Terme. Continue all the way to the end of the road, park, cross the bridge on the right, and enter the ancient village on foot.
Nearby you can find
Grotte di Equi, Acque Termali di Equi, Santuario della Madonna del Bosco, Tecchia di Tenerano, the Village of Ugliancaldo, the Village of Vinca, Santa Lucia Bridge, Bocciari Bridge, Historical Museum of the Massacre in San Terenzo and Bardine, Aquila Castle, the Village of Aiola.
