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Pontremoli is the most northern town of Tuscany, and can be considered as the Capital of Lunigiana.
It has been suggested that Pontremoli is in fact the legendary Apua, capital of the Ligurian Apuani, the Apuan civilisation that after centuries of resistance, were defeated by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. The Apuani were deported to Sannio in Latium because with their prolongued guerrilla war, they prevented the occupation of the surrounding territory by the Legions.
Some Apuis, however, managed to retreat towards the mountains, remaining hidden in the thick woods and in the inaccessible valleys. The remains of ancient Apua would have been recognized near the Belvedere district of Saliceto, along the course of the Magra river, about 3 kilometers from today’s Pontremoli.
In addition to giving its name to the Ligurian tribes, Apua gave its name to the nearby so-told Apuan Alps, which, of course only resemble the Alps. They are higher than the mountains of the upper Tuscan sub-Apennines, located further south.
The village of Pontremoli features many important architectural features, that reflect the important dominations throughout history – lords were often able to invest their fortune in luxury mansions.
Pontremoli was also an important religious centre, part of the Luni bishopric, a reference point for the Church in northern Italy.
The Campanone or Cacciaguerra tower, located between Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Repubblica, is the bell tower symbol of the town. Built in the fourteenth century by the will of Castruccio Castracani as part of a fortified system that divided the city into two parts, it was adapted for use in the sixteenth century.
PONTREMOLI
An ancient, charming city, maybe the legendary Apua, capital of Pre-Roman Lunigiana.
One of the towns that gave origin to the lower Lunigiana after the Roman city of Luni was destroyed.
A noble, fine city, boasting history, art and home to international cultural events.
The Roman city of Luni, ancient port for the transport of marble from the nearby Carrara quarries.
Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Popolo, built in the 17th century with valuable sculptures and paintings. The dome of the cathedral dominates the profile of the town.
Try the Amor, the small delicious wafer-like pastry designed and offered by the historical Café degli Svizzeri, in the very centre of the town: a relaxing and tasty moment with literary reminescence.
Visita il Museo delle Stele delle Statue, uno dei patrimoni più antichi e misteriosi di questa terra, remote testimonianze scolpite nella pietra risalenti al III secolo a.C., sculture stilizzate di personaggi maschili e femminili con alcuni elementi caratteristici del loro armamento o dei loro gioielli.
Explore the Stretti di Giaredo, a few miles from the town, impressive canyons dug by the impetuous waters of the Gordana stream in thousands of years.
