Small Village Near the Lagastrello Pass
The village of Taponecco is located at 610 meters above sea level, in the municipality of Licciana Nardi.
Along the road to the Lagastrello Pass, after passing the junction for Comano on the right and navigating a short stretch of curves, the majestic profile of the Apennines comes into view. Perched halfway up the hillside stands the tower now known as the “Tower of Apella,” though it was originally identified as the ancient castle of Taponecco. The village lies just below the rocky spur where the fortress was built—likely part of a broader watchtower system.
The earliest known mention of Taponecco dates back to the 12th century, but human settlement in this area is much older, as evidenced by a statue-stele discovered in 1975 at the foot of the hill, in the locality known as “Cavallino,” on the edge of the village.
One of the most significant pieces in the entire collection of menhirs at the Museum in Piagnaro Castle in Pontremoli, the artifact is believed to date back to the Copper Age (between the 3rd and 2nd millennium BCE), serving as proof of an early human presence in the area.
Today, Taponecco appears as a cluster of buildings that blend medieval and Renaissance elements, offering glimpses of undeniable historical and architectural interest. These features highlight the village’s once significant importance, which gradually declined over time partly due to the relocation of the road to and from the Apennine pass further down into the valley.
Above, between Taponecco and Apella, stands the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta. The first known mention of it dates back to 1187, when the “chapel of Taponecco” belonged to the chapter of Luni and was under the authority of the parish church of Bagnone, an area to which this region has always been closely connected.
However, the current location of the church may have come later than the original, which is thought to have stood near the site of the ancient castle. There, the complex would have included the rectory and the military tower, which was later converted into a bell tower and now houses a well-known agriturismo.
Nearby you can find
Monte Giogo, The Giant Bench of Comano, Comano Bridge, Comano Castle, Prati di Camporaghena, Borgo di Camporaghena.
Lunigiana World thanks our friend Paolo Bissoli for the text about the village of Taponecco.
