Lunigiana – Tuscany: castles, villages and paths between the Apennines, history and forgotten rivers. Lunigiana extends in the extreme north of Tuscany, between the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and the first hills of Liguria, along the valley of the Magra river. It is a borderland, crossed by thousand-year-old paths, where medieval castles, stone villages and dense woods tell stories of pilgrims, nobles and peasants. Wild, untrodden and deeply authentic. 🏰 Castles and border memories: Lunigiana is famous for its more than thirty castles, built over the centuries by bishops, marquises and feudal families. From Fosdinovo with its manor overlooking the sea, to the Eagle Castle in Gragnola, up to Pontremoli with its towers and stone bridges, each fortress tells the past of this land of passage and resistance. 👉 Tip: Visit the Malaspina Castle in Fosdinovo at sunset: spectacular views of the Apuan Alps and the Versilia sea. 🏘️ Stone villages and timeless atmospheres: The villages of Lunigiana – such as Filetto, Bagnone, Mulazzo, Filattiera – retain their medieval charm intact. Stone alleys, arched bridges, loggias and fountains alternate with deep silences and slow rhythms of life. Each village has its own flavor, its own square, its own history. 👉 Tip: Stroll through Pontremoli and taste spongata in a historic pastry shop: one of the oldest local desserts in Tuscany. 🥾 Historical paths and wild nature: Crossed by the Via Francigena and numerous minor paths, Lunigiana is perfect for hikers and slow travelers. Paths through woods, streams and ridges lead to Romanesque churches, medieval bridges and villages suspended in the greenery. The landscape changes at every step: hills, chestnut groves, gullies and high-altitude pastures. 👉 Tip: Follow a stretch of the Francigena between Filattiera and Pontremoli: an easy walk, rich in history and nature. 🍲 Strong flavors and border cuisine: The gastronomy of Lunigiana mixes Ligurian, Emilian and Tuscan influences: testaroli with pesto, panigacci with cured meats, spelt soups, sheep's milk cheeses and desserts made with honey and chestnuts. Local products such as DOP honey from Lunigiana tell the story of the biodiversity of this land rich in water and woods. 👉 Tip: Book a dinner in a trattoria with a Lunigiana menu: simple, robust and deeply linked to the territory. 🛏️ Where to stay: Lunigiana offers genuine and widespread hospitality: farmhouses in the woods, restored farmhouses, B&Bs in medieval villages and small historic hotels. Many facilities offer nature-themed experiences, walks or food and wine. 👉 Tip: Choose a structure in the triangle between Bagnone, Villafranca and Fivizzano: strategic location and authentic atmosphere guaranteed. In Lunigiana, time passes slowly among castles, woods and ancient stone roads: a journey into the most hidden and intact soul of Tuscany.