Barga

Home description

The apartment was the large living room of the villa, there is now inside
a dividing wall with two archs.

Suitable for two people, the apartment has an independent entrance and a large furnished terrace where it will be a pleasure having dinner , taking the sun or enjoying the breathtaking views of the vineyard, of the valley and of the distant mountains.

The quiet and relaxing place rich in fairy tale atmosphere could be ideal for a honeymoon, however, if you have a baby it is possible to arrange a baby bed. The villa is only 200 meters far from the historic centre of Barga.

The location of this apartment could not be better - 1/2 block walking distance to the pharmacy, trattatoria and walled city. A few more blocks to the main shopping area. The apartment is quiet, clean and bright with a lovely garden/vineyard to gaze upon. The view is amazing - completely unobstructed with great patio furniture for candlelit evenings. The caretakers are wonderful - very friendly and helpful. Access to other cities is easily accomplished by either car, local bus or train. Barga itself is a beautiful small city to explore as is all of northern Tuscany. The locals are very friendly (the friendliest of Italy!) and not speaking Italian is not much of a hindrance.

Location

Barga is a medieval town ( about 6000 inhabitants) of Longobard origin but with a definite Florentine flavor. The town lies on a hilltop (elevation 410m, 1370 ft.) in the valley of the river Serchio, also known as Garfagnana. The region is famous for its Farro grain, the food of the ancient Roman legions. This is the only part of Tuscany featuring high mountains where eagles and other birds of prey still soar.

Untouched by mass tourism, Barga is a true gem and more than picturesque! It is the quintessential Tuscan hill town! Its ancient,unspoiled and prosperous air seems attract the discerning and the artist. Barga is known for its artistic richness, historic monuments, mild climate and genuine warmth of its residents. From atop the hill, which is dominated by the Duomo, a church whose origins predate the the Middle Ages, visitors are awed by the views of the green valley of the Serchio river, the majestic Apuan Alps, renowned for their marble quarries, and the less rugged Appenines. Nature lovers can walk in the nearby mountain woods in search of berries and wild mushrooms. In winter, sky enthusiasts can take advantage of the facilities of several resorts just a short drive away.

Barga originated before the Middle Ages as a castle surrounded by walls and entered through one of three gates, two of which Porta Reale and Porta Macchiaia are still standing. During the 1300's Barga became the principal outpost of the Signoria di Firenze in the area. The town was well known during the Middle Ages for the manufacture of silk garments, its mills powered by the immense hydraulic power of the nearby creeks, and remained an important commercial center untill the beginning of the 20th century. From 1341 untill 1847 Barga was part of the Grand Duchy of Florence . During this period, Lucca and Pisa waged frequent battles to conquer the wealthy town and the surrounding territory. From 1847 until the unification of Italy in 1861 Barga was part of the Duchy of Lucca, although it maintained a measure of autonomy. Today, Barga is a triving commercial and tourist center. Its natural charm enhanced by its proximity to three protected conservation areas -- the nature parks of L’Orecchiella, Alpi Apuane and Appennino Toscano-- and the charming villas built just outside the old towns walls by returning emiges.

Barga's hilltop, near the Duomo , is known as Castello which lies within the remains of the walls and it is crisscrossed by cobblestone alleys the most famous is Via di Mezzo, and dotted with squares such as Piazza Angelio, stairs and loggias. During July, the Festa del Castello enlivens the town alleys and piazze, where visitors can sample local delicacies, watch craftsmen at work, or even join in one of the local dances.

Ther are seven ancient churches within or just outside the town walls including the majestic Duomo begun before the year 1000, which features art work by the incomparable medieval painter/sculpturer Andrea Della Robbia, and a splendid pulpit attributed to the sculptor Guido Bigiarelli da Como. The cobblestone paved square (Arringo) in front of the Duomo is the best vantage point for viewing breathtaking sunsets. The churchs of Barga are particularly interesting to visit during the two feast of the town's two patron Saints S. Cristoforo (July 25) and S. Rocco (August 16) when they are decked with flowers and other decorations.

A large park divides the hilltop from the lower part of Barga known as Il Giardino . Three bridges, one made of stone (Ponte Vecchio), another supporting the old Aqueduct, connect the two districts. Il Giardino is bustling with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The villas of returning emigres are nearby, flanking two tree-lined boulevards. Life in Il Giardino revolves around the Piazza del Cedro, named for the huge Cedar tree in its center. One of the sophisticated cafes around the piazza is the perfect spot to relax in the shade of a pergola and sample some of the local wines. Il Giardino comes especially alive during the three days celebration of the Feast of San Rocco (August 15, 16, 17) when the streets are filled with traveling salesmen and eager shoppers.

Barga's food shops and restaurants offer cuisine that is simple but wholesome in the Tuscan tradition. Visitors have ample opportunity to savor some of the typical local foods that incorporate the many speciaties of the region, notably Farro, a mountain grain, the fabled Funghi Porcini, and local variety of trouts. Chestnuts and grapes abound and there are a number of delectable cold cuts, and local cheese, to sample. Minestrone and Polenta are just two of the many dishes that are typical of the area.