Castelnuovo di Garfagnana is a town where the Serchio and Turrite Secca rivers meet in the Garfagnana region of Tuscany. The town dates from the 8th century when it was called Castro Novo (new fortified settlement). From the 13th century it developed as a market town on important trading routes.
The Rocca Ariostesca has a few traces of the early fortified structure from the 10th/11th centuries. Additions were made in the 13th century. Around 1470 the cylindrical towers were added. Further additions were made in the 16th century.
The Duomo of Saints Peter and Paul was built in the 16th century. The facade is in Renaissance style and the interior is Baroque.
There are some interesting shops, cafes and restaurants in Castelnuovo.
Il Vecchio Mulino is a favourite place to eat.
Here is a post I wrote several years ago about Vecchio Mulino.
Slow food in the mountains…and a very big mortadella
There are excellent views of the river.
An old entrances to the town.
Near this entrance is an excellent deli, filled with local delights.
I managed to find a few treats to bring home.
There are dozens of wonderful towns and villages to explore in the Garfagnana.
Debra, I’m loving your blogs. I’m an Aussie and I’m heading your way in February 2025. I was introduced to you by friends that have stayed in your accommodation. I’ll be in touch shortly as I’d like to know more about the region from your perspective.
By: Julie Knutsen on October 28, 2024
at 8:34 pm
Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 29, 2024
at 1:15 am
Take me back! I love these gorgeous little Italian towns. Thank you for bringing them to us 🙂
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on October 28, 2024
at 10:52 pm
Each town is different and lovely in its own way.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 29, 2024
at 1:17 am
You have so many lovely towns & villages so close to you & this was so interesting. Thanks.
By: Camillus Davall on October 29, 2024
at 1:19 am
Each town is different and all are fun to see.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 29, 2024
at 8:32 pm
We loved our visits to Castelnuovo when we were staying in Italy and it is a lovely drive up from Ponte a Serraglio. Roberta’s is my favourite shoe shop in the world. She stocks a fantastic range of larger size ladies shoes (I take AUS 11-12) and I always come away with 3 or 4 new pairs of shoes whenever I visit. I remember market day being amazing as well.
By: Kerry & Jim on October 28, 2024
at 10:59 pm
I thought of you as I walked past the shoe shop!
By: Debra Kolkka on October 29, 2024
at 4:03 pm
Can you beam
Me up Debra ✨🌻 your photos always amazing
Thank you for reminding me 😊
By: Lorraine Wagner on October 28, 2024
at 11:32 pm
Thank you for the wonderful photos which I use for reference for my prints and water colours. I don’t copy them they just give me ideas and colour
Annie
By: Annie on October 30, 2024
at 12:06 am