Garfagnana, Geographic region in northern Tuscany, Italy
Garfagnana is a region in the upper Serchio River valley in northern Tuscany, surrounded by the Apennine and Apuan Mountains with dense forests. The area consists of mountain villages and woodlands that spread across the valleys and ridges.
The region changed hands between several rulers, including the Republic of Lucca and the d'Este family, before becoming part of Lucca province in 1923. This long history of different powers shaped the cultural landscape and settlement patterns of the area.
Local residents maintain agricultural traditions and produce protected products like Farro della Garfagnana, a special spelt grain used in regional dishes. These local specialties shape everyday life and cooking throughout the villages.
The area offers numerous hiking trails and mountain biking routes with varying difficulty levels to suit different fitness levels. Lucca serves as the main access point, with farm accommodations and traditional inns located throughout the villages.
Lake Vagli contains a completely submerged village that becomes visible only when authorities fully drain the artificial reservoir. This happens rarely, but when it does, the old buildings and streets of the former village of Fabbriche di Careggine are exposed.
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