3 villages to visit in the Apuan Alps

From the Castle of Gallicano, the noble Corvaia and Porcaresi families governed this area until the 13^th century. The town then passed to the Lucchese and Gallicano became known for its artillery and munition production. In summer two local festivals are celebrated, including the one honour of their patron saint Saint Jacopo, with individual challenges and colourful team games.

This village was founded by Bergamasque laborers in the 14^th century who came here with their families to work in the Apuan mines. Their presence lives on today in some old metalworks. In Aiola, in the Gragliana forests, tools are still made using an 18th century hammer and anvil. The area is full of mills that are still in operation today, largely thanks to the energy provided by the current of the river.

This town is made up of three villages: Piazzanello, Poggio and Villabuona.
The first is reached by a road which runs through a thick chestnut forest and has a number of beautiful houses in the historic centre. There are also walled gardens and the church of Saints Peter and Paul which was built in the 12^th century, with a bell tower, rectory and Sala della Compagnia being added in the 17^th century.
Poggio still has its city walls and old workshops.
The village of Monsagrati is known as the town where Santa Zita was born and died.