The Garfagnana Region

North of Valdottavo is the Gafagnana Region where many attractive towns and villages line the Serchio valley like Castelnuovo di Gafagnana where the castle is now the Town Hall. A scenic drive takes you to Barga, a small hill-top town with an 11th century Duomo standing on a grassy terrace at the highest point of the town, it gives glorious views of the white marble and limestone peaks of the Alpi Apuane. Barga is also the setting for a highly regarded opera festival held in July and August. Onwards to Bagni Di Lucca which is famous for it’s lime sulphate springs. During the 19th century Bagni di Lucca was one of Europe's most fashionable spas and was frequented by Emperors, Kings and Aristocrats. You can still visit the spa baths - it may even relieve your arthritis ! There are a variety of good restaurants, shops and bars with a market held twice weekly in the main square. There is also an excellent indoor/outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts which are only 15 minutes away which are well worth a visit..

Just outside Borgo A Mozzano is a triple hump-backed bridge called the Ponte della Maddalena, or the Devil’s Bridge as the legend has it. The Devil offered to build the bridge in return for the possession of the first soul to cross the bridge but the villagers sent a pig across instead!. The devil in retaliation stamped his foot on it giving the bridge it’s unique shape today.