Your holiday in Tuscany: Barga

Barga is a delightful town, dominated by its eleventh century Duomo and concealing many delights in its cobbled streets and little squares. A small town of 5000 people, it sits on a hillside above the Serchio Valley and looks westwards over the white marble and limestone peaks of the Apuan Alps and eastwards over the Apennines.

Several restaurants, cafes and shops (including a supermarket) are within easy strolling distance and with a large population of artists and musicians, there is a lively cultural scene. Leisure facilites are superb, with a swimming pool and tennis courts in town; other activities available in the area include horseriding, hill/mountain climbing, skiing, fishing and rambling. The Golf Club of Garfagnana is 30 minutes away and there is a popular nightclub in the valley.

Things to see and do in Tuscany:

Barga lies on the edge of the great natural parks of the Garfagana, an unspoiled land of forested mountains, rich in wildlife, forest-fruits and wild Porcini mushrooms. Tiny, friendly villages, ancient churches and ruined watchtowers perch on the steep valley sides, but the lasting impression is of untainted nature, with eagles soaring in the blue skies and huge peaks guarding against the encroachment of humanity.

Splendid though the immediate surroundings are, there are plenty of other attractions in easy travelling distance. The bustling town of Castelnuovo with its massive Rocca or fortress shouldn't be missed, and the provincial capital of Lucca with its sixteenth century walls is only 30 minutes away down the river valley.

From Lucca, excellent transport links put the rest of Tuscany at your feet. You can be on the glorious beaches of the Versilian Riviera or scaling the leaning tower of Pisa within another half-hour, while another hour and a half will see you in Florence or the vineyards of Chianti.

Some distances (from Barga): Lucca (36km), Viareggio and the coast (57km), Pisa (59km), Florence (110km), Siena (110km), San Gimignano (150km), Rome (384km).

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