Castelnuovo In the Province of By the Tourism Department Texts by Roberta Petacco and Elisabetta Sacconi References: “: 800 anni di storia” by I. Costa, I. Pesce; Elio Gentili “Il Teatro dei Cartelami”, by Franco Boggero and Alfonso Sista, Sagep Edition, 2012 Photos: Tommaso Malfanti, Costantino Giannetti, Fabrizio Diciotti, Andrea Castagna, Marcesini & Marciasini Acknowledgements: Paola Moro, Arianna Fazzi Bishops’ Palace

Back Garden Palazzo Amati Wine Cellar of Regione Palazzo Amati Museo Multimediale del Vermentino

 Querciola Square

Church of Saint Maria Maddalena

Oratory of the Reds

Oratory of the Whites how to get there Motorways: A12 (-) Exit: or By train: nearest railway station: Sarzana Other railway stations: Carrara, La Spezia

 the territory Castelnuovo Magra extends over the lower and has a linear shape with the Bishops’ part of the Magra Valley in the province of Palace Donjon to the North, in the XVIII La Spezia, not far from the Tuscan border. century Querciola Square, and the parish  Its territory is comprised between the Apuan church St. Maria Maddalena bell-tower to Alps and the , with a great vari- the South. The oldest part of the village lies ety of environments. To the North, where Val- in a place still called Borghetto; its rounded lecchia hamlet lies, it rises 698 metres above structure testifies that here houses grew up the sea level and it borders the territory of around a fortress which no longer exists, but in the province of -Carrara mentioned in a 1198 document under the (). The Historical Centre, Marciano name of St. Mary Fortress. The Borghetto is hamlet and part of Colombiera hamlet lie on the old Castrum Vetus, to which in the XIII gentle hills, while to the South is the plane, century was added the Castrum Novum, a bordering Sarzana and Ortonovo. Castel- defensive and residential settlement, culmi- nuovo Magra hills are covered with olive oil nating with the construction of the Bishops’ trees and vineyards, some of them newly Palace on the opposite side of the hill. planted. In the plane, where Molicciara ham- let lies, flows the river Bettigna and a stretch of Canale Lunense, a XIX century irrigation canal, flowing through the whole Magra Val- Thethe historicalHamlets core of Castelnuovo Magra ley and along its banks you can take a walk. presents a main feature in the linear devel- The old town centre is situated on the opment of the hamlet starting from the North top of a hill belonging to Monte Bastione with the Bishops’ Palace (its ruins are still visible in the Piazza Querciola dating back to Molicciara - It is known as La Miniera be- the eighteenth century) and ending to the South cause of the presence of the old lignite mines with Saint Maria Maddalena church. The old- that were closed down in 1953. In Molicci- est part of the village lies in a place still called ara you can find the only church of the flat  Borghetto; its rounded structure testifies that land of Castelnuovo Magra. The church was here houses grew up around a fortress which dedicated to S. Cuore di Gesù in 1953. It no longer exists, but it is mentioned in a 1198 was built using the bricks from the Fornace document under the name of St. Mary Fortress Filippi, the brickwork which employed many and hence built between XII and XIII century. inhabitants of the area. Today Castelnuovo Magra main road is Via Molino del Piano - This place is remembered Dante, paved with sandstone, so named after for the “culture” of the olive oil, of corn and the Florentine poet who, on the chestnuts. It maintained the typical structure 6th October 1306 was here as procurator of the of a small hamlet, with a main square: Mar- Marquis Malaspina, Franceschino da , coni Square. Next to the square the green area in the famous “Pace di Dante”. The peace treaty along the Bettigna stream. This place is used after his name was signed in Castelnuovo Magra for fairs in particular for the Cattle Fair, over Bishops’ Palace between the Counts-Bishops the Bettigna stream; an old stone bridge testi- of Luni and the Marquis Malaspina. Many old fies the old road network. aristocratic buildings face Via Dante, with their Palvotrisia - The origin of this place name is and sandstone portals. A vaulted pas- not certain; the hamlet belongs to the archeo- sageway beside the church leads into a small logical site of Luni. During the ‘80s some ar- square, where the XVIII century Palazzo Amati cheological finds were found, they belonged stands; this has been the site of the Town Hall to the necropolis of the western suburb of the and hosts the Wine-cellar of Regione Liguria. Roman town, Luni (locality Botrignolo). Colombiera - At Colombiera, one of the ham- “(…) some old walls maybe belonging to a small lets of the municipality of Castelnuovo Magra, church, inside many skulls and bones were you can see the monument dedicated to the previously found”. On the 31st of August 1675, miners who died at Pit number 1 in the fire the church was dedicated to Saint Rosa from on the 19th of August 1945. The lignite mines Lima, a saint patron from South America. The  were in the plane of Castelnuovo Magra and presence of this cult testifies a link between were closed down in 1953. One of the main this small village and South America. events to be remembered was the strike when Vallecchia - It lies on the highest hills of the the miners occupied the pits, an event known area and with its numerous olive tree groves, as “The Living Buried”. it has always been an important centre for the Marciano - It is probably one of the most an- olive oil production. It is just a small group of cient settlements on the territory of Castel- houses that enjoy an excellent exposure and nuovo Magra; you can reach it driving through the view is magnificent. It is also known for the hilly area known as Colline del Sole. A bread, which is daily made and sold from the small crossroads takes you to the ancient ham- local grocery’s. Therefore it is the right place let or alternatively to the church of Saint Rosa to go for those who love home made bread. from Lima. This “poor” building immersed in On Sundays many locals drive up the hill to the deep silence, is on a natural terrace from buy the Vallecchia Bread. where you can enjoy an astonishing view on the sea and the Mount Caprione. There is not much information about this church. In a document Mr and Mrs Bertella owned a villa of “Marzano”; in 1668 they asked for the permis- sion to build a holy building in a place where theThe oliveOlive tree growingTree is still one of the Our Olive Growers first and still most important cultiva- FARM Belfiore tions of this land. It is a cultivation with Via Montefrancio a constant improvement and develop- phone: 335 5637888 ment thanks to the producers. They try FARM Brusoni Mauro to increase the production of the local based in Giorgione - Vallecchia varieties such as the Castelnovina. This FARM Cà de Bruson term is undoubtedly an ancient one and 64, Via Montefrancio it is not in a list of classified olive trees. phone: 0187 670255 The Castelnovina has a very high blos- FARM Edoardo Primo soming capacity and a high fruit produc- 190, Via Aurelia tion. The Castelnovina olives are small phone: 340 6739118 fax 0187 676178 in size and barrel-shaped. Every year, in FARM Giacomelli June, the Town Council together with the 134, Via Palvotrisia Pro Loco (the association promoting lo- phone/fax: 0187 675709 cal culture and tourism) organizes in the FARM Il Torchio  historical centre the Fair of the Olive Oil 202, Via Provinciale where visitors can enjoy local products and phone: 0187 674075 fax: 0187 670101 food specialities. FARM Lo Scoglio Via Salicello II trav. phone: 0187 671828 FARM Sergiampietri Giorgio Via Palvotrisia phone: 339 4523464 Colli di Luni – D.O.C. Wines Thethe growingVine of the vine is as much important Vermentino DOC: Vermentino (90%) and other author- as the olive tree growing in the territory of ized and recommended vines up to a 10% maximum. Castelnuovo Magra. The wine production is Also in the Superior Typology. very remarkable thanks to the constant com- Colli di Luni Albarola: Albarola (85% minimum) other mitment, hard work and dedication of the lo- white berry vines up to 15%. cal wine producers. White Wine DOC: Vermentino(35% minimum), Tuscan Castelnuovo Magra is considered the capital Trebbiano (25%-40%) other white berry vines, rec- of Vermentino wine for quantity and the qual- ommended or authorised up to a 30% maximum. ity of its production. Rosso DOC: Sangiovese (50% minimum), Canaiolo In 1989 Castelnuovo Magra has been awarded and/or Pollera nero and/or Ciliegiolo (15% at least), the DOC Colli di Luni together with fourteen other red berry vines, recommended or authorised up Municipalities belonging to the province of La to 25%. Also in Vintage Typology. Spezia and Fosdinovo, and (province of Massa). Organoleptic feature: Colli di Luni Vermentino More or less intense straw yellow, sometimes with greenish flashes, typical smell, fruity; dry and fresh taste. Minimum strength: 11,5%  Colli di Luni Albarola Straw yellow, delicate pleasant at sniff; typical round dry taste. Minimum strength: 11% Colli di Luni Bianco Straw yellow, pleasant scent; typical round dry taste. Minimum strength: 11% Colli di Luni Rosso Ruby red tending to garnet with ageing, winy and gentle at sniff; dry, round and fine in the mouth. Minimum strength: 11,5%

Vermentino and Bianco match with all the dishes of the Ligurian cuisine, they go with soups, pasta with Pesto sauce and vegetable dishes. Since this land is close to the sea, these wines also match with shellfish, fish starters and first courses with fish and fried fish. Rosso matches with “land cuisine”: vegetable soups, white and red grilled meats and seasoned and half dry cheese. PathsThe territory of Castelnuovo Magra offers a Itthe is theMontà old way up to get into the centre of wide network of paths (10 kilometers). They Castelnuovo Magra on the top of the hill. 10 wind mostly through a hilly landscape and It represented the link with the piano (the are connected to Trekking and, flat land). It is a wide path which follows through the stream Bettigna, to the Natural the slope of the hill. You can walk through Park of Monte Marcello Magra, with its inter- holm-oak woods and olive trees. esting naturalistic paths along the river Magra and on the promontory of Caprione. This one houses some little coves surrounded by Medi- terranean vegetation (some of them can be reached by ferry boats) and many nice cliffs. “via dei Molini” Every path is marked in red and white, the Along the banks of the Bettigna stream, in colours of the Italian Alpine Club (C.A.I); you the small valley of Marciano, you can see can also enjoy these paths on horse or rid- ancient mills and olive mills. Their pres- ing your mountain bike. The path from Cas- ence tells us of a time when people were so telnuovo Magra to Fosdinovo belongs to the tight with the cycles of the land. The ruins Trekking Lunigiana, it links to the G.E.A. are still visible while you go along the CAI (Grand Appenines Excursion) and to the track which starts from Molino del Piano. “Sentiero Italia”. “Sentiero Italia” belongs to You walk through some parts completely the European Track E1. It leads to Scandi- immersed in the green; you reach a fall (the navia, going trough High Track of the Liguria fall of the Traaton) where years ago children Heights starting from Ventimiglia. used to swim. Since 2003 Castelnuovo Ma- gra joined the Associations of Towns on the Via Francigena, the medieval pilgrimage route, which led the pilgrims from to and to other destinations of pilgrimage, according to the Itinerary by Sigeric, archbishop of Canterbury. Castelnuovo Magra is on a section of the route TO03 Aulla-Avenza that goes through Colombiera and goes on at a fork, which leads to the histori- cal centre; it comes back down through the paths and reaches the archaeological site of Luni. The Thethe projectLunense and the Canal making of a water Association of the Italian Municipalities along the system in the Lunense plain using the Via Francigena was established in April 2001 in waters from the river Magra dates back Fidenza; its aim is to preserve the importance of to the beginning of the 19th century this ancient itinerary. The association changed but the building started only in 1930. its name in 2006 and became Associazione Euro- You can walk along the banks of the ca- 11 pea delle Vie Francigene. In 34 municipali- nal section which flows in the territory ties and provinces of seven regions belong to the of Castelnuovo Magra and the canal association. Up to now, 94 towns have taken part presents a winding course at the bot- into the project; some of them are: Rome, Can- tom of the hills. terbury and the French community Lys-Romane. Year by year, the canal and its sur- Castelnuovo shares and pursues the aim of the rounding area have become a major association whose target is getting people to know damp area with a new natural habitat this “road” which represented a link and a means and a new flora and a fauna that is dif- of communication among the various European ferent from the past. cultures. Every year, many events, meetings and We can spot alders, poplars, liana and other initiatives are being organised at European, climbers such as clematis (greybeard), national and local context. One of the most impor- black bryony, ivy, water plants, reeds, tant projects in terms of cooperation and “trans- and water mint. As far as the fish is nationality” is “I Cammini d’Europa: Via Francige- concerned, we can find: chub, barbell na e Cammino di Santiago” (“The paths in Europe: and eel. We can’t forget to mention the Via Francigena and the Way to Santiago”) through bird life: there are sedentary species which the associations wants to pursue an inte- such as whitethroat and kingfisher. gral strategy of cultural and tourist promotion of Other species are: swallow, house mar- the territories crossed by the Via Francigena. tin and sand martin. 12 the History 13 From a historical point of view Castelnuovo the area is characterized by small scattered Magra is part of the lower Lunigiana. These built-up areas. The state of uncertainty cre- areas were part of the Luna (Luni) jurisdic- ated by the continual disputes between those tion, a Roman colony founded in the II cen- who aspired to the possession of the terri- tury, in a territory that belonged to the Ligu- tories in the past belonged to the Lunense rians. Of this ancient , become rich due jurisdiction, nevertheless obliged many fami- to the extraction and working of the Apuan lies to seek shelter in places that were more Marble, one can still admire the remains of protected around fortified structures. the archeological site near the Ortonovo Mu- The Castrum de Monte Leonis, situated in nicipality. As evidence of the Roman pres- the vicinity of Vallecchia and Marciano, and ence in the Castelnuovo area, besides sev- quoted in a document dated 4th March 1096 eral graves belong to the western necropolis most probably belongs to this particular type of LUNI, building components pertaining to of system. Of this type of building, several a typical “domus Agricola” - (farm house) of stonework structures belonging to a circular the imperial age have been identified in the tower and a cistern were discovered. area known as “the Colline del Sole” (Sun The name of “Castelnuovo Magra” appears hills). After the fall of the Roman Empire and for the first time in official documents in with the passing of the entire territory un- 1203. In fact its origins date back to between der the domain of the bishop counts of Luni, 1187 and 1203. At the end of the 12th cen- 14 tury there was a war between the Bishop of tension between the Episcopal power and Luni and the Marquis Malaspina that in- the desire of independence of the villages in 15 volved the entire Lunigiana region and that the area. Continual alternations of alliance cased pillage, devastation and fires. The war and conflict follow. In 1229, under the rule ended in 1202 and it was in those years that of William’s episcopate, the Episcopal power Bishop Gualtiero wanted to build a castle n regained strength and consolidated its au- the territory between Fosdinovo and Carrara thority over the Castelnuovo community and to render communication in that stretch of built walls around the new village that was Via Francigena secure, as during the conflict, forming around the castle of Saint Mary. it had endured every type of oppression. The treaty between Sarzana and Castelnuovo The Bishop named the fortification Holy took place in 1253. This treaty set forth that Mary after the name of the cathedral in Luni the respective inhabitants had to be mutu- and around it the first dwellings appeared, ally accepted as castle dwellers and bour- grouped together, as a means of defense. It is geoisie from then onwards. In those same believed that this ancient conglomerate cor- years the Bishop Enrico de ’s main responds to the current town, as its urban purpose was to re-establis h the grandeur of fabric shows: it has in fact preserved the typ- the Lunense Church. ical circular style common to all settlements He wrote in an autobiography, found in the that developed near defensive structures. “Codice Pelavicino” that he personally had The 13th century is characterized by great given permission to construct a “palacaium political instability owning the continual and a turrim magnum” (palace and high 16 tower) in the village and to have acquired possessions” and Castelnuovo came under a number of possession and servants. The the control of the French governor of Genoa castle, as the Bishop’s residence was com- Jean le Maingre de Boucicault. When the monly known, is only one of the numerous latter was obliged to flee to France, due to examples of fortified architecture in -Luni a Genoan revolt, the inhabitants of Castel- giana. This residence, the ruins of which can nuovo passed from the French control to that still be admired in the 12th century Querciola of the . Between the years Square, is where the renowned Peace treaty going from 1411 to 1418, the Castle was fur- took place. The treaty, signed on the 6th Oc- thermore fortified to defend itself against the tober 1306 was between the Bishop Antonio Florentine attacks. de Camilla and the marquis Franceshino The subsequent years saw continual tension Malaspina and witnessed by the poet Dante under the periodical control of Tommaso Alighieri. With said treaty, the marquis’ in- Campofregoso that in 1421 renounced to the fluence was decisively strengthened while title of the Doge of Genoa for a notable sum of the bishop’s power underwent a hard blow money and for the title of lordship of Sarzana and disappeared completely from the politi- that included that of Castelnuovo. cal scene. After having regained the title of doge, de- The 1300’s saw a decline of the Emperor Ar- spite the clause that allowed the ceding of rigo VII who denied Bishop Gherardini of his the power only in Genoa’s favour, his son spiritual power, removing his powers and Ludovico sells them to . The Floren- 17 putting his territorial possessions in grave tine lordship will leave notable evidence of its danger. Despite Arrigo’s death, Gherardino, presence in all the territory as is seen by the in order to defend himself, is obliged to call in Citadel and the Sarzanello fortress. The last his aid the ruler from , Castruccio Cas- most important structural modification of tracani and Castelnuovo, previously under the Bishop’s residence is completed during the Bishop’s rule, passed under the latter’s the Florentine period. power. Castruccio rapidly conquered Luni- In 1484 the French king, Charles VIII entered giana and very soon governed a territory that Italy to claim the reign of Naples. Florence stretched from Liguria to Maremma, from gave him Sarzana and the neighbouring ter- Cisa to the mouth of the Magra River. ritories, but on the return trip, at Fornovo, The sudden death of Castracani in 1328 an army of confederates tries to surround brought about the strengthening of the Charles VIII and only with difficulty will he power that took possession of Sarzana and be able to a way through the enemy. Tradi- subsequently that of the Viscounts of , tion wanted that a couple of Castelnuovo summoned in aid of the bishop Bernabò who residents participated in the encounter, and again had to defend his boundaries. succeeding in taking away from the French, But Gabriele Maria Visconti reports: “(….) un- a wooden cross, perhaps already part of the able to reign, treated in all secrecy, the sale war loot, brought it to the Rossi oratory, of the Pisa, Sarzana and other surroundings where it is still today. Sarzana and Castelnuovo will then be surrendered to the powerful San Giorgio Credit institute to whom the Genoan republic had entrusted to administer the public debt benefiting from tax collections. The control of the Institute lasted sixty years and these years were years of heavy economi- cal and judiciary pressure, so much so that in 1560 the mayors of Castel- nuovo were obliged to ask for a salary reduction of the authority and of the various debits to be able to rebuild the town walls. In 1562 the administration of the Sarzana and subsequently the Castelnuovo territories, will go from the Banquo di San Giorgio institute directly to the Genoan republic, whose supremacy has remained solid to mod- 18 ern times. The 1700’s are character- ized by the French-Austrian wars that saw Genoa allied with France until the arrival of the Jacobite Republic at the end of the century. With the establish- ment of the new Ligurian republic on behalf of , Castelnuovo will become part of the Apennine depart- ment. The defeat of Napoleon and the Congress of Vienna in 1815 will lead to the annexation of Liguria to the Sardinian reign and Castelnuovo will pursue the events of the history of Italy right up to its unity.The world wars will deeply mark the generations that lar in the location of Scala Santa in the hills experienced them. To be remembered above bordering Castelnuovo and Fosdinovo and a all is the suffering of the Second World War marble monument erected in the gardens of that ended with the rounding up operations the local secondary school “Dante Alighieri”, of the 29th November 1944. A plaque in the commemorate this tragic event that cost the historical part of the town, an inscribed pil- lives of civilians and partisans. Dante Alighieri as “Peace Maker” On the sixth of October 1306, Dante Alighieri town council decided to write in the Forward reached Castelnuovo Magra to sign a peace of its Charter: “…so that Castelnuovo and its treaty, which would put an end to a war that people may learn to consider themselves as had lasted for hundreds of years. peace makers….” At the beginning of the XIV century, Dante, Since 1996 Castelnuovo Magra belongs to sent away from his town, Florence, had found the Coordinamento Nazionale Enti Locali per shelter at Franceschino from Mulazzo’s. At la Pace e I Diritti Umani (an association of that time the tension between the Malaspina the local authorities / governments for peace and the bishops was very high. and human rights) based in Perugia.Since The episode known as “The Peace by Dan- 2002 Castelnuovo Magra is the National te” was witnessed by a notary from Sarzana Presidential Board. called Parente di Stupio. He wrote the proxy In 2001 the town council decided to celebrate statement for the poet and a document with every year the anniversary of the Universal the peace issues. Declaration of the Human Rights proclaimed With the first document the poet was con- by the United Nations on the 10th of Decem- ferred the role of counsellor and special am- ber 1948. bassador. The Marquis Malaspina accepted In 2001 the town council worked together 19 their own responsibilities and let Dante with the Istituto Buddista Soka Gakkai establish the rules, the promises and con- and in 2004 it started its cooperation with ditions. This act was issued at six in the the Corso di Laurea in Scienze per la Pace – morning in the Square of the Calcandola in C.I.S.P. (University of Pisa). The town council Sarzana. confers an honour upon an important person The second document was written in Castel- who promoted a Culture of Peace through nuovo Magra and it is considered the proper his/her actions. peace treaty. On the same day, at nine, Dan- te reached the Bishops’ Palace. The bishop agreed on the proposal of a peace; also in the name of his allies. The final part of the docu- ment presents the clauses that soon after were applied. For instance, the bishop immediately can- celled the trails and the verdicts and revoked excommunications. This document known as La Pace di Dante is the only evidence of Dante Alighieri’s pres- ence in this region and therefore in 1992 the 20 Historical Buildings to visit the Bishops’ Palace the Town Hall This is the most impressive building of the The Town hall had its seat in Palazzo Amati, historical centre. It can be easily recognized built at the beginning of the XIX century by the from a distance, thanks to its Turris Magna, Marquis Amati for his wife, the Duchess Ca- the donjon, which was an important element etani di Sermoneta, restoring a former build- of the defensive system. It was built in the ing. Inside you can see the frescoes painted in XIII century by the Bishop of Luni, Enrico da the XIX century for the receiving room (today Fucecchio and it became a fortress only af- Assembly room) by the painter Bontemps and ter restoration works carried out under the an interesting private chapel. The wine-cel- Florentine domination in the XV century and lar, whose original building core dates back the Genoese domination in the XVI century. to the XVI century, presents a vaulted archi- It felt into disuse, therefore it was gradually tecture. Inside there are the ‘tine’, fine XVIII demolished in order to re-employ the materi- century large vats, handmade out of blocks of als in other buildings, above all for the con- which were used to preserve structions of houses. Last time permission olive oil. The beautiful back garden of this was given to take materials away was in XIX palace is only one of the numerous examples century, for the construction of Santa Maria of XVIII century hanging gardens of the old Maddalena parish church choir. Of the origi- town centre. The garden offers a wonderful 21 nal structure survives the great crenellated view; from here you can see: the Ligurian and tower - the donjon – and the smaller circular Tuscan sea; the ‘Valley of the Mills’ in Mar- tower: the first one with refined sand- ciano hamlet, lying by stone corbels made by the Florentines the side of the Bettigna in 1468 and the other one, made by stream; Vallecchia, the the Genoese, with simpler brick cor- highest hamlet of Cas- bels. The Genoese tower was the pow- telnuovo Magra; and der magazine and permitted to check also the nearby villages one of the village entrance doors to- of Ortonovo and Nicola. wards Vallecchia hamlet, thanks to In the hills nearby there the loopholes allowing artillery gran- are many footpaths zing fire. The building was formed marked with red and by two blocks which hosted some white signs; these paths ceremony halls, the soldiers’ accom- partly follow the layout modations, wine cellars, a chapel, an of ancient mule-tracks inner courtyard and a grindstone. and are connected with The famous peace treaty known as “La the wider net of foot- pace di Dante” (“Dante’s Peace”) (1306) paths in the whole Ma- was signed inside this building. gra Valley. The presbytery houses a tabernacle for the Holy Oil, closed by two little XIII century SantaThe parish Maria church dates Maddalena back from the sec- bronze doors, maybe belonging to the ancient ond half of the XVII century. It was built on fortress church. In two niches there are the the site of the ancient fortress church. marble statues of St. Giovanni and St. Maria Outside two marble slabs sculptured in bas- Maddalena, made by Francesco del Mastro, (one above the main door and the other an artist from Carrara, in the XVI century. 22 on the left side of the building) bear inscrip- Above the church portal, behind a tions testifying the dedication of the church to balustrade, there is an interesting example of St. Maria Maddalena. The church has three Serassi organ dating back to the XIX century. aisles, delineated by twelve Carrara marble columns, which - according to tradition - came from the ancient cathedral of Luna. Above the second altar on the left side there is a XVII century painting dedicated to the The first side chapel on the left houses a patron of the village, St. Fedele. In the back- painting,Crucifixion which is the(Brueghel) most valuable work ground of the picture you can see an image of art of the church: the Crucifixion by Peter of Castelnuovo Magra in the XVIII century, Brueghel the Younger (1564-1637). Painted which gives to this work a great historical on oak wood, it is one of the copies of a fa- value. At the rear of this altar dedicated to mous lost Crucifixion by Peter Brueghel the the Saints, 72 precious containers for rel- Elder. The scene is a moment of XVII century ics are preserved, which are exhibited to the everyday life, taking place in a Nordic atmos- faithful for the feast of the Epiphany. phere and being one of the protagonists of Dating back from the XVI century is a Car- the painting itself. It strikes the strange pres- rara marble water stoup in the style of the ence of a fourth cross, which is a symbol of Sienese school (at the entrance on the left the submission condition of Flemish people side), made by skilled workers from Carrara. to the cruel Spanish domination. the(also known“Rossi” as Del Oratory Santissimo Sacramento) theMany Maestà marble plaques called The term “Rossi” refers to the colour of the capes worn “Maestà” can be seen on the walls by the brothers during their religious processions. It of private houses all over the terri- is placed next to the parish church and it belongs to tory of Castelnuovo Magra and in the Confraternity of the Holy Sacrament. On its door a their original places. They repre- marble bas-relief shows two angels holding up a mon- sent the Virgin because this form strance. Inside the Oratory, on the altar, a wooden cru- of devotional art is linked to her cifix is placed. cult and spread over the Magra It is probably valley and in Lunigiana.This new of Tuscan ori- religious fervour contributed to gin and it is the making of the Maestà which very important appeared from 1609 until 1839. for its religious We can also find the Maestà in worship pur- other localities of Castelnuovo pose. and these are often unexpect- ed: placed at the cross-roads, on the outer walls of the farm- houses which belonged to the 23 rich landown- theThe Whites’ Oratory Oratory (dedicated to the ers who lived in Assumption of the Virgin Mary) lies the town centre inside the “Borghetto”. It is one-aisled on the hill. The building dating back from the end of the bas-relief “Cristo XVI century. Inside you can find inter- in Pietà” (1604) esting walnut stalls (seats), part of the placed on the XVIII century wooden choir, some XVIII side of the Par- century lamps-posts used for Proces- rocchiale, has a sions, made in golden and carved wood different mean- and a seventeenth century organ which ing. It testifies was originally placed inside the parish the presence of church. In the Oratory the Cartelami are a Monte di Pietà visible during the Holy Week; they be- in the hamlet (a long to the props used for the Sepulcher Mount of Piety); Scene. They are original handcrafted a pawnbroker eye level metal flats and date back to runs by a local the end of the XVIII century and the be- Brotherhood. ginning of the XIX century. OPENING TIMES st the Wine Cellar of Liguria Region - From March 1st to May 31 : Saturdays and Sundays from 3.00 pm to 7.00st pm Its historical seat is in the underground wine cel- from the - From June 1st to September 30 : Saturdays lars of Palazzo Amati. The Wine Cellar of Liguria g r a p e s ’ and Sundays from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm st st: Saturdays Region was established by the following founder process- - From October 1 to November 30 members: Municipality of Castelnuovo Magra (La ing, from and Sundays from 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm Spezia), which is its legal residence, Municipality wine and All year round, wine tasting on request Email: [email protected] of Ortovero ( in the province of Savona), Munici- quality re- http://www.enotecaregionaleliguria.it pality of Genoa and Municipality of Dolceacqua gion food (in the ). It was recognized by products are taken into consideration. In 2012 Regione Liguria in 2011. The Wine Cellar of Ligu- the Wine Cellar became a showcase of Quality 24 ria Region’s aim is to bring out and promote the Food and Produce of Regione Liguria. It hosts regions’ wines with a particular attention to those some marble vats dating back to the XVIII cen- wines which obtained the denomination of origin tury which were used to store olive oil. The visi- and those made with methods of organic and tors can enjoy a permanent display of wines by integrated agriculture. The products obtained the producers’ members of the Wine Cellar.

TheMuseo Museo MultimedialeMultimediale del Vermentino del offersVermentino the denominations of Vermentivo and its related the visitors a virtual experience in order to get rules; they can look up the territory maps, the or- to know this vine and its selected territories: ganoleptic features of the wines according to their Liguria, Sardinia, Tuscany and . This areas of production, scroll the list of wineries and is the outcome of the project “Ver.Tour. look up the technical files of the labels. Mer: Vermentino di Terra e di Mare” (“Vermen- The virtual tour includes a tourist multimedia tino from the Land and from the Sea”) which was guide in French, Italian and English, and the study financed by the European Union and it involved “Studio Architettonico su Terre e Paesaggi del Ver- the Provinces and the Municipalities of Liguria, mentino (“An Architectural Study about Lands Tuscany, Sardinia and the Chambers for Agri- and Landscapes of Vermentino”) by the architect culture of Corsica. Thanks to its system of touch Andrea Meli. Promotional videos of each region are screens, the visitors can get information about also available (www.terredelvermentino.net). Wine producers amd Wineries FARM Edoardo Primo FARM Linero Via Aurelia 190 - 19030 Castelnuovo Magra (SP) Via Provinciale 189 - 19030 Castelnuovo Magra (SP) mobile 340 6739118 - fax 0187 676178 mobile 348 2351438 - fax 0585 858777 www.edoardoprimo.it www.linerovini.it [email protected] [email protected] FARM Giacomelli WINERY Cantine Lunae Bosoni Via Palvotrisia 134 - 19033 Castelnuovo Magra (SP) Via Palvotrisia, 2 - 19030 Castelnuovo Magra (SP) phone/fax 0187 675709 phone 0187 693483 - fax 0187 694903 mobile 349 6301516 www.cantinelunae.it [email protected] www.calunae.it FARM Il Torchio [email protected] Via Provinciale 202 - 19030 Castelnuovo Magra (SP) FARM Ottaviano Lambruschi phone 0187 674075 - phone/fax 0187 670101 Via Olmarello 28 - 19033 Castelnuovo Magra (SP) mobile 340 5957434 phone/fax 0187 674261 - mobile 338 4413761 [email protected] www.ottavianolambruschi.com FARM La Colombiera [email protected] 25 Via Colombiera 92 - 19030 Castelnuovo Magra (SP) FARM NARDI PAOLO ARMANDO phone 0187 674265 - fax 0187 699235 Via Palvotrisia, 49 - 19033 Castelnuovo Magra (SP) mobile 335 7787180 mobile 333 6180284 [email protected] [email protected] 26 cuisine The cuisine of Castelnuovo Magra witnesses gazi” are thin circular disks, cooked on cast the peculiarity of its territory. Its dishes are iron disk; the dough is made with flour, wa- prepared with the seasonal produce and it ter and salt. “Panigazi” are dressed one by keeps its link with the rural tradition. The one with olive oil and Parmesan cheese and dishes of the local gastronomy present ingre- piled up to be served. “Sgabei” are small dients from Tuscany and Liguria, so it is not pieces of fried pasta. The dough is made with possible to label them only as Ligurian. flour and yeast. They are served with salami, Produce from flour, vegetables and meat from ham, prosciutto, sausages and various kinds farmyard animals are the main components of cheese. At the butcher’s and the grocer’s of the dishes. The extra virgin olive oil is used you can find “Prosciutta Castelnovese” (since to add a special flavour. The olive oil is pro- 2000 this product has been in the list of tra- duced from very old olive trees which found ditional products drawn up by the Ministry the perfect conditions to grow on these hills of Agriculture). Among the first courses you belonging to the lower part of Lunigiana. can taste several fresh pasta dishes. Differ- “Panigazi” and “sgabei” are among the typical ent kinds of pasta are cooked into vegetable dishes of the local cookery tradition. “Pani- soups. You can also taste and enjoy the green Recipe

T rattwhereoria Atorma eatnda Polenta incatenata Piazza Garibaldi, 6 - phone 0187/674410 RESTAURANT BIANCHI Ingredients Via Provinciale, 279 - Vallecchia & Cooking phone 0187/674104 (Polenta in chain)Bronzino Corn flour, Borlotti beans, RESTAURANT DEI PINI cabbage (Tuscan kale), Grated ParmesanPrepare the Via Olmarello, 52 - Loc. Olmarello Salt and pepper. cheese, Olive oil, phone 0187/674084 RESTAURANT DON WIVAR Bronzino cabbage (TuscanLet your kale), beans clean boil andfor at wash least it. Cut it into strips. Via degli Olivi c/o IPPOTUR - Colline del Sole 10 minutes in salted water.Add the cabbage and a phone 0187/676254 glass of olive oil. Cook for few minutes, stirring rarely. IL MULINO DEL CIBUS Then sprinkle in the corn flour stirring constantly, so Via Canale - Molicciara - phone 0187/676102 that no lumps may be formed. Continue cooking, Focacceria CINQUECENTO stirring always for at least 40-50 minutes. Your Via Aurelia, 71 - phone 0187/693511 polenta should remain very creamy and soft. RESTAURANT QUATTRO GATTI Serving: pour your polenta in a bowl, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese Via Borgolo, 15 - Molicciara - mobile 333/4859005 and serve it at once. FARM HOLIDAY LA VALLE Via delle Colline, 24 - phone 0187/670101 27 FARM HOLIDAY Framagi tarts made with courgettes or artichokes. The Via Fontanella, 32 - phone 0187/671624 sea is not far from Castelnuovo; therefore it FARM HOLIDAY DA BACE’ is easy to enjoy tasty sea food dishes. As far Via Provasco, 6 - Località Luni as desserts go, you can choose from many phone 0187/673744 (e.g. sweet rice pies, chestnut cakes). They FARM HOLIDAY CASCINA DEI PERI belong to the old cookery tradition and you Via Montefrancio, 71 - phone 0187/674085 can find them in the restaurants but the peo- Pizzeria NAPOLI ple in Castelnuovo still enjoy making them. Via Marciano - Molino del Piano Those who enjoy a culinary journey, will dis- phone 0187/670040 Pizzeria AL BACIO cover many pleasant flavours of this ancient Via Aurelia, 235 - Molicciara land. The local restaurants are very willing phone 0187/676255 to prepare local traditional dishes made with Pizzeria IL PIZZICOTTO love and skills, worthy to be mentioned in Via Provinciale, 124 - Colombiera the national gastronomy guide books. If you phone 0187/672251 enjoy the dishes of Castelnuovo Magra, you Pizzeria PIZZA E PIU’ will also enjoy the local D.O.C. (controlled de- Centro Comm. “La Miniera” - phone 0187/670531 nomination of origin) wines produced in the Pizzeria ALFANO area, known as “Colli di Luni”. Via Aurelia, 118 - Molicciara - phone 0187/670491 28 festivals and events I Pefan – the Pefans Historical Reconstruction of the In Castelnuovo Magra – 6th January Peace by Dante and Parade/Pageantry People are dressed up as La Befana. Castelnuovo people dressed up in medieval La Befana is the old ugly woman who gives costumes gifts the good children and coal to the Castelnuovo Magra - August naughty ones. Medieval Dinner Benvenuto Vermentino Castelnuovo Magra Castelnuovo Magra - June August Fair of the Olive Oil and quality products Santa Rosa from Lima Castelnuovo Magra – June Patron Saint Celebration Saint Peter’s and Saint Paul’s Bonfire Marciano - August 29th June Madonna della Guardia Arteinfiera Molicciara Art and Craft Fair 29th August Castelnuovo Magra Cattle Fair end of June - beginning of July Molino del Piano Theatre Festival Teatrika First weekend of September July Autumn Flavours Community Centre – open air theatre Castelnuovo Magra 29 Cinema Cultura October Film Festival Festa nell’Aia ( country fete in the yard) Films and talks with film directors At one of the local land firms and cinema experts Summer Back garden of Palazzo Amati Remembrance Day July – August The Nazi’s Roundup Meet the Authors 29th November Lectures at the Library - Winter Santa Barbara Country Festival of the Fritter Patron Saint of the miners and the victims In the hamlet of Vallecchia of the mines July 10th December Santa Maria Maddalena Premio Querciola and Premio Fair Play Patron Saint celebration Community Centre - Molicciara Castelnuovo Magra - August December San Fedele The Street Market Patron Saint celebration of the Creative Works of Art Castelnuovo Magra La Miniera shopping centre Fourth Sunday of August Easter and Christmas Castelnuovo Magra Town Hall Internet Point at Public Library Via Canale, 109 - Phone 0187 693801 - fax 0187 670102 “Michele Ferrari” Email: @comune.castelnuovomagra.sp.it Via della Pace - Molicciara www.comune.castelnuovo magra.com Phone 0187 677406 - mobile 334 8720155 Tourism Department Email: [email protected] Phone 0187 693837 Culture office: phone 0187 693842 Email: [email protected] School office: phone 0187 693850 Tourist Office – IAT Terredelnovo Music Rehearsal Studio Via Aurelia, 141 - Phone/Fax: 0187 693834 Town Football Pitch “Libero Turido Marchini” E-mail: [email protected] Via delle Colline - Colombiera Website: www.terredelvermentino.net Phone: 0187 693833 Summer opening: from June to September Website: [email protected] From Tuesday to Saturday Sports Centres - Centro sportivo Comunale Mornings: 10.30-12.30 - Afternoons: 5.30-7.30 Tennis, volleyball, run, vitae track, minigolf, Sundays afternoon: 5.30-7.30 7 player soccer On Saturdays (all year round) from 10.30 am to 12.30 am Via Canale 98 - Phone 0187 670123 (at Museo Multimediale del Vermentino) Football Pitch in Castelnuovo Magra - Phone 0187 693835 Via delle Colline - Phone 0187 673036 camper-SITE Centro Commerciale 30 Shopping Centre La Miniera geographical coordinates: useful information 44°05’26.99” N

Enoteca Regionale della Liguria Pro Loco Liguria Region Wine Cellar Via Dante, 84 - Phone 0187 676376 Via Veneto 1 Public Security Phone 0187 677406 mobile 334 8720155 366 9220158 Head office of the town police Winter opening times: Centro Commerciale La Miniera • from March 1st to May 31st: Phone 0187 670001 Saturdays and Sundays from 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm Carabinieri • from June 1st to September 30th: Via della Pace - Phone 0187 674113 Saturdays and Sundays from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm Ambulance • from October 1st to November 30th: Pubblica Assistenza Croce Bianca Saturdays and Sundays from 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm Via della Resistenza 18 - Phone 0187 671218 On the weekdays and from December 1st to 28st Chemists February openings on request Montecalcoli All year round, wine tasting on request Via Salicello 163 - Phone 0187 675089 Email: [email protected] Pucci http://www.enotecaregionaleliguria.it Via Aurelia 30 - Phone 0187 674230 The Touring Club Italiano selects small towns of In 2007 Castelnuovo Magra obtained the environ- the inland according to the quality of their tour- mental certification ISO 14001 which recognises ist environmental offer. Castelnuovo Magra was the commitment of the municipality for its imple- awarded the Bandiera Arancione (the Orange mentation of a managing system in the environ- Flag) in 2002 since Castelnuovo Magra has a mental field and a commitment concerning the historical, cultural and environmental quality of sustainable energy sources, the recycling process its tourist offers that meet the requirements re- of the garbage and for the efficiency of the services quested by the Touring Club Italiano. in general. Meetings on environmental education have been held in the schools of the territory.

31 High Quality Brands

Awarded in 2009, thanks to the interest shown by the local government for the development of the agriculture on the territory of Castelnuovo Ma- gra. Every year the CIA – Confederazione Italiana Agricoltura (the Italian Farmers Confederation) awards the label Bandiera Verde the firms and local authorities that have carried on projects concerning agricultural development. COMUNE DI CASTELNUOVO MAGRA regione liguria Tourism Department provincia della spezia

PRO LOCO CASTELNUOVO MAGRA www.comune.castelnuovomagra.sp.it

www.facebook.com/castelnuovomagra

www.twitter.com/castelnuovom

www.turismoinliguria.it