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Man and his territory in Garfagnana
The changing relationship between man and the
environment over the centuries in the Province of Lucca is one of the
most interesting subjects for visitor and scholar alike when they come
here, in an area of wooded mountains, of hills with characteristic olive
groves and vineyards, of cultivated plains and sandy shores.
The environment of Garfagnana has been shaped by man to a large
extent and the exploitation of woods, pastures and fields is well
documented by the many ethnographic museums dedicated to rural life.
Where the mountains didn´t offer enough resources for mean survival we
can at least reconstruct the emigration process of the local population
in search of better fortune.
Recently a crisis of the primary manufacturing activities has led to a
new form of administration of the Garfagnana territory focusing on preservation
rather than abandon. Regional parks and reserves were created to protect
both the mountainous areas of the Apuans and Garfagnana, as well as the
lakes and the thick "macchia mediterranea" undergrowth along the coast
bordering on the Province of Pisa.
Itinerary:
first part:
Following the Serchio river from the surroundings of Lucca towards
Garfagnana we climb and reach the first chestnut woods, a culture that
is documented here since the Early Middle Ages. For a better
understanding of the territory and to discover a unique reality we
suggest a visit of the "
Museo del Castagno" of Colognora di Pescaglia. Here we can learn all about
the processing and exploitation of the chestnut as well as pay a visit
to a so called ´metato´ where chestnuts were put to dry.
second
part:
Agriculture in Garfagnana was never really profitable since the soil
was poor and land was divided into small plots that couldn´t support
large families; the only solution then was to emigrate. This important
socio-economic factor that dates back to the XVIIth century is
illustrated in the "
Museo della Figurina di Gesso e dell´Emigrazione" of Coreglia Antelminelli.
Here you will find a vast collection of those plaster statuettes made by
artisans, emigrants of Tuscan origin, that not only could survive, but
also reached success in producing them.
third
part:
On the Apennines, a rough environment with a rich flora and fauna, a
series of interesting excursions and visits to environmental education
centers, created in the firm belief that the territory itself is a
precious resource to be preserved and appreciated in all its variety,
are possible. At Colle Fobia near Barga and at San Romano Garfagnana,
where you find the "
Centro Visitatori of the Orecchiella Park", are two didactic structures
focusing on the natural habitat of Garfagnana. Here you can walk for
days and days in about 60000 hectares of woodland with its chestnuts,
hornbeams, Turkey oaks, alders, birches and beeches that open into
heaths and meadows. The paths marked by the "Comunità montana" that has
prepared the itinerary for a ten day hike called "Garfagnana Trekking"
permit us to cover on foot and admire a territory which is once again
home to wolves and golden eagles.
fourth
part:
In San Pellegrino in Alpe you can visit the "
Museo Etnografico Don Luigi Pellegrini" where you will find information
about the rural culture of the Toscana and Appennino Emiliano in an
exposition of farmers´, shepherds´ and artisans´ tools together with
furniture and other household items. On a clear day from San Pellegrino
you will enjoy a complete panorama of Lucca´s mountains, from Garfagnana
to the Apuans, and to the north you can recognise all the peaks of the
Appennino Emiliano. The place is in the 1500-1700 meters a.s.l. zone
where the woodland opens towards grassy slopes used as pastures.
Lucca, Garfagnana travel and food guides
Courtesy of
Provincia di Lucca
(c) 1997-2008 E. Massetti
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