» Sarzana

Sarzana, a medieval hamlet plunged in the River Magra’s valley, boasts a huge artistic heritage. Natural heir to Luni, this town has continued to grow and develop whilst keeping intact the respect for its history, which is rich in events and important characters. Regarding the places to visit in Sarzana, all the Guesthouse’s recommendations are within a 10 minute walk. First of all, visiting Sarzana means travelling the urban itinerary of the Francigena Route that stretches from “Porta Parma” to “Porta Romana”. The town of Sarzana prides itself on numerous historical palaces enriched by marmoreal friezes, railings and bars of unique artistic value, among which the Picedo Benedettini Gropallo and the Magni Griffi Palaces. Regarding contemporary art, it’s advisable to visit the Cardelli & Fontana Gallery. From Porta Parma, going along Bertoloni Street, you can reach the Council Palace which overlooks Matteotti Square, the heart of Sarzana. In the middle of this square the War Memorial with its famous “Vittoria Alata”, a sculpture by the artist Carlo Fontana, stands. After that you will meet the two main religious buildings overlooking Via Mazzini, the Pieve of St. Andrews and the Cathedral of St. Maria Assunta, the meeting point of the “carobi”, i.e. the web of streets and alleys characteristic of this little town. Carrying on this way you will meet Garibaldi Square, where The Theatre of Impavidi and the sculpture “Il Genio della Stirpe” by Carlo Fontana are located. Inside the town’s walls lies the beautiful Firmafede Fortress*, adjacent to the holiday home Gardenhouse, with its MUdef Museum. Inside the Firmafede Square there is also the Diocesano Museum, a true must. Just beyond “Porta Romana” and outside the walls, upon entering Mazzini Avenue and carrying on until the end of it, the beautiful Villa Ollandini stands. On the hill, beyond the walls, the Fortress of Sarzanello* dominates the whole of Sarzana. Of the original town walls, dating back to the XV century, only the Towers remain, robust cylindrical structures placed at the end of the inhabited area; in the XIX century these structures were sold to private individuals for residential purposes. While exploring the medieval town of Sarzana, besides discovering these wonderful places to be visited on foot from Gardenhouse, the visitor will also admire a unique landscape that helps creating a relaxing stay for everyone. In fact, the territory of Sarzana also contains the hamlet of Marinella, where many bathing facilities with large sandy beaches are. From here it’s possible to reach Luni on foot, an archaeological area renowned for the remains of its big Amphitheatre and for its National Archaeological Museum.