Village existing since 1185 under Frederick Barbarossa
In the valley of the Bardine stream, where the territory of Fosdinovo borders that of Fivizzano, the village of Marciaso bears witness to a long-standing human presence in this corner of Lunigiana, dating back to prehistoric times. First came the hunters, then the herders and finally the settled tribes who established the first settlements.
In historical times, the first recorded mention dates back to the era of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, who in 1185 confirmed part of Marciaso among the lands granted to Pietro, Bishop of Luni, while the rest had been assigned to the Malaspina family.
The first record of the village church dates back to 1276: a simple chapel that stood at the highest point of the village, where today only a bell tower remains, due to the destruction caused on August 3, 1944, when Nazi troops blew up the settlement, also resulting in the death of six elderly civilians. The church was never rebuilt, and the parish was moved to the current religious building, with 18th-century architectural lines, located lower down at the entrance to the historic center. Here, a beautiful marble statue of Saint Bartholomew is preserved, a remarkable work carved by the Florentine sculptor Andrea Guardi in 1465.
According to tradition, Marciaso is home to the so-called ‘House of Napoleon’, recognizable by its beautiful marble doorway and believed to be the origin of the future emperor’s dynasty. In reality, however, the Bonaparte who lived here was a certain Guido, exiled from Florence in 1264, whose lineage had no connection to Napoleon.
What is certain, however, is that the village was once home to an ancient medieval hospitale run by Franciscan friars, which offered shelter and comfort to the poor—testimony to the important route of communication that passed through this valley.
Where the Village of Marciaso is located
The village of Marciaso is located on the border with the municipality of Fivizzano, near the locality of Bardine and the Bocciari Bridge, where numerous Stele Statues have been discovered.
How to Reach the Village of Marciaso
From Aulla, follow the signs toward Fivizzano on State Road 63. Pass through the towns of Pallerone, Serricciolo, and Rometta. After 600 meters, turn right onto State Road 446, following the signs for Carrara-Fosdinovo-Tendola-San Terenzo-Ceserano. Once past the village of Ceserano, keep left at the fork onto SP11 and continue for about 9 km, passing through the towns of Bardine San Terenzo and Posterla. Following the road, you will arrive in the village of Marciaso.
Nearby you can find
Chiesa di San Remigio, Borgo di Fosdinovo, Malaspina Castle of Fosdinovo, Museo Archivio della Resistenza, Borgo di Bibola, Borgo di Ponzanello, Saint Caprasio Abbey Museum, Lunigiana Natural History Museum at the Brunella Fortress, Pallerone Castle.
Lunigiana World thanks our friend Paolo Bissoli for the text on the village of Marciaso.
