Pontremoli, Medieval commune in Tuscany, Italy
Pontremoli is a commune in the province of Massa-Carrara in northern Tuscany. The old town stretches along the Magra River with narrow lanes, stone houses and bell towers that appear among the surrounding mountain slopes.
The settlement began as a trading post on the Via Francigena, the pilgrimage road to Rome. In the 13th century it became a free commune before joining the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in the 17th century.
The name comes from the two bridges over the Verde stream that have shaped the settlement since medieval times. Many residents gather in the old town squares, where restaurants and bakeries serve local specialties like testaroli and amor.
The terrain is hilly with paved paths and stairs connecting different levels of the old town. Comfortable shoes help as many streets are steep and exploration is mostly on foot.
The statue of Saint Geminianus on the main church shows him holding a model of the town in his hand. This representation recalls that he has been tied to the identity of the place as patron saint for centuries.
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