Sarzana and Luni

Sarzana

A border town with Tuscany, Sarzana and its region have a long history, particularly in trade, and life here remains lively thanks to the many festivals and events.

Near the center stands a castle, the Firmafede Fortress. A first castle was built in 1202 by Pisa. It was destroyed by the Genoese in 1488 when they seized the town, in order to build the current fortress. Wishing to assert their power, they produced a fine example of 15th-century military architecture. Today it houses a picture gallery.

On a hill above Sarzana, the gigantic Fortress of Sarzanello, an important remnant from medieval history, dominates the Val di Magra, having become the emblematic building of the town. A first fortress was demolished by the Florentines, then rebuilt by Lorenzo de’ Medici.

The main square of the historic center is the simple but pretty Piazza Matteotti, lined with historic buildings.
The former church of Sant’Andrea, the palaces (Roderio Palace, the style of Podestà-Lucciardi Palace, the Caffè Costituzionale, a historic bar)
The cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is a fine historic building, founded in 1204 and combining various styles and beautiful works inside.

At the mouth of the Magra is the beach of Fiumaretta, then that of Marinella di Sarzana, or on the other side the natural park and its more or less rocky beaches, Tellaro, etc.

Ancient Luni

In the coastal plain on the other side of the Magra river lies the archaeological site of the Roman town of Luni, founded by the Romans. The site preserves interesting remains, including mosaics and sculptures, and its museum houses beautiful works of art.

Map

Information

• Sarzana: en.wikipedia.org, www.terredilunigiana.com
• Luni: luni.cultura.gov.it, en.wikipedia.org