Late medieval village on the ancient Via di Linari: a connection between Emilia and Lunigiana
Along the road to the Lagastrello Pass, the village of Tavernelle overlooks the Taverone valley, almost standing as a sentinel along the ancient Via di Linari, which for a long time was one of the main routes to and from the Emilia valleys.
Along this route, the village developed a significant mercantile vocation, rooted in the late Middle Ages, which brought prosperity to the community. Here, as early as the 15th century, there is evidence of a market, with shops of artisans and merchants, following an organization that can still be seen in the architecture of one of the villages, which can be considered one of the most interesting in Lunigiana: the urban layout, the stone portals expertly carved and the sandstone-framed windows.
In the village stands the Oratory of San Rocco, commissioned by the wealthy Antonetti family, which, in 1601, as indicated by the inscription on the portal, was rebuilt and enlarged. However, despite the community’s requests, it only became an independent parish in 1948.
It was a captain from the Tavernelle fortress who, in 1411, killed the three sons of Marquis Marco Malaspina and provoked a popular uprising by the people of Tavernelle, Apella, and Varano against those local petty tyrants. This rebellion led these communities to come under the control of the Duchy of Modena.
How to Reach the Village of Tavernelle
For those coming from Aulla, follow the signs to Licciana Nardi and pass through it. Follow the signs for the Lagastrello Pass and you will enter Tavernelle on the way.
For those coming from the Lagastrello Pass, follow the road to Licciana Nardi and after about 19 km, you will reach Tavernelle.
Nearby you can find
The Lagastrello Pass, Bozzi del Taverone, Castle of the Bastia, Prati di Cisigliana, the Village of Apella, Lago Paduli, Lago Squincio, Comano Castle, The Giant Bench of Comano, Monte Giogo, Prati di Camporaghena.
Lunigiana World thanks our friend Paolo Bissoli for the text about the village of Tavernelle.
