Book directly on the owner's website. With the same offer and the same security, you can benefit from a better price because there are no intermediary commissions.
Prenota direttamente sul sito web del proprietario. A parità di offerta e con la stessa sicurezza, puoi beneficiare di un prezzo più conveniente perché non ci sono commissioni di intermediazione.

Come visit us

We look forward to welcoming you to Lunigiana, in the municipality of Zeri, in Codolo: a hilly, mountainous area where the landscape is still authentic, with small hamlets, woodlands, and scenic roads.

The Codolo valley encompasses several villages (including Chiesa, Mola, Cernatore, Villa di Sotto, Baraccone, and Ripola) and maintains a rural and peaceful character, ideal for those seeking nature and silence without sacrificing the option of driving to the main points of interest.

Lunigiana: nature, history, and the "land of a hundred castles"

Lunigiana is a border region rich in historical layers: fortified villages, towers, and castles still mark the landscape today, along with woods, valleys, and ridges that invite walks and outdoor trails.

It is a destination suitable for both those who want to slow down and those who prefer to combine relaxation with cultural visits and daily commutes.

Codolo and Zeri: a discreet and natural setting

Zeri is a “scattered” municipality, composed of many hamlets and small settlements scattered throughout the area.

This layout translates into open spaces, little urbanization, and a direct connection with the environment: it’s the perfect base for those who appreciate walking, country roads, green landscapes, and a truly peaceful setting.

History, Events and Guided Tours

Pontremoli: Between Culture and Architecture

A short distance away is Pontremoli, a hub for services, restaurants, and some of the area’s most interesting visits. Here, it’s worth taking the time to visit:

  • Piagnaro Castle and the Museum of the Lunigiana Stele Statues: the museum is housed inside Piagnaro Castle and showcases one of the most distinctive archaeological heritages of Lunigiana.
  • Baroque Pontremoli: the city preserves a wealth of historic homes and decorations related to the so-called Pontremoli Baroque. Among the most representative places are Palazzo Dosi Magnavacca and Palazzo Pavesi–Ruschi Noceti, also known for their frescoed interiors and the visits (in part) organised on dedicated occasions.
  • Medievalis: on the occasion of the historical reenactment, for several days the historic center takes on a new look and is closed to traffic, with costumed performers, markets, and a medieval atmosphere. It’s one of the most distinctive events for experiencing Pontremoli “in its historical guise.”

The Via Francigena in Lunigiana

Lunigiana is crossed by the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route between Canterbury and Rome, reconstructed in part thanks to Sigeric’s diary.

The Via Francigena was certified as a Council of Europe Cultural Route (in 1994), and today it’s a key reference point for slow tourism made up of walking, small villages, rural parish churches, and countryside landscapes.

In the Pontremoli area, there are especially evocative stages and stretches, with routes through greenery and connections toward the Val di Magra.

It’s not uncommon to come across groups of pilgrims or simply tourists traveling the Via Francigena on foot or by bicycle. Thanks to its renewed promotion, it has quickly become once again an opportunity for people from all over the world to meet.

Day Trips: The Sea, Ligurian Villages and Versilia

Lunigiana’s location makes it easy to alternate nature and culture with trips to the coast: seaside villages, harbors, scenic walks, and equipped beaches can all be reached with a manageable day trip.

The area offers a unique advantage: you can return in the evening to a peaceful setting without giving up a more “lively” day out whenever you feel like it.

Lunigiana occupies a truly strategic stretch of land. Very few places offer such a wide variety of landscapes so close to one another.

It may seem unbelievable, but in a very short time you can go from the snow-covered landscapes of the Apuan Alps or the Apennines to the warm beaches along the coast.

Nearby

Two Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary 1 — Pontremoli: Piagnaro Castle, Museum of the Stele Statues, and Historic Center

Recommended for: Those seeking a cultural day at a leisurely pace, without long commutes.

Morning

  • Reach Pontremoli and begin with a stroll through the historic center, amidst narrow streets, bridges, and architectural highlights.
  • Continue with a visit to Piagnaro Castle and the Museum of the Stele Statues, one of the area’s main cultural attractions.

Lunch

  • Stop for lunch in the center, choosing a convenient option to maximize your day.

Afternoon

  • Spend the early afternoon walking through “historic” Pontremoli, focusing on its most iconic buildings and facades.
  • If you’d like to add a little outdoor time, round out your day with a short, easy walk along a nearby stretch of the Via Francigena (approximately 60–90 minutes in total), allowing you to experience the atmosphere of the journey without turning it into a demanding trek.

Return

  • Return to Magic Mola in the late afternoon or early evening.

Notes

  • During events and reenactments (e.g., Medievalis), the town center may have traffic restrictions: on those days, it’s best to plan parking and walking.

Recommended for: Those who want to combine the tranquility of Lunigiana with a day on the coast, returning in the evening.

Morning

  • Departure in the morning and arrival in the Lerici area.
  • Stroll along the seafront and through the village, with time to stop and enjoy the view.

Lunch

  • Lunch in the area, preferably with flexible times (in high season, it’s a good idea to consider booking or arriving early during the busiest times of the day).

Afternoon

  • Drive to Portovenere and visit the village, with a tour of the historic center and panoramic viewpoints.
  • To make the day more complete, consider a boat trip (depending on seasonal availability) or a short walk in a scenic area, keeping logistics simple.

Return

  • Return in the late afternoon, avoiding the busiest times of the day, especially during the summer months.

Organization note

  • During peak months, it’s advisable to leave early and allow for additional time due to traffic and parking in coastal villages.

Thomas Rauser

MANAGING DIRECTOR
+39 335 547 9651
thomas@nordtoscana.com

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