Discover Maissana

Maissana brings together archaeological themes related to jasper, historic religious buildings and protected natural areas. The points of interest differ significantly: in Valle Lagorara, the focus is on the Copper Age and mineral processing, while the churches and oratory showcase specific architectural and decorative features. In the protected areas, attention turns to river habitats and evidence of human presence. These themes offer different ways to explore Maissana according to your interests.

Jasper history and archaeology

At Fontana Sacrata on the Grande Anello del Benessere, there is a viewpoint on the watershed between the Vara River and the Borsa stream. From there, you can look out over the Valle Lagorara archaeological site and its wine-red jasper outcrops. Its position on a watershed gives the viewpoint a clear geographical setting, while the view of the site and rock outcrops also highlights the area’s archaeological significance.

Jasper was mined in an open pit in Valle Lagorara during the Copper Age, between 3500 and 2600 BC. At the Esposizione di minerali e reperti archeologici, a series of panels explains the individual stages of jasper processing. The mineralogical section of the exhibition includes around sixty specimens. This allows the ancient extraction of the material and the processing stages described to be considered as different aspects of jasper history.

For visitors to the archaeological area, the Centro di Accoglienza in Santa Maria is normally the first point of contact. The Museo territorio Valle Lagorara is located at Via Macalle' in 19010 Maissana (SP). These details provide two specific reference points for travellers interested in Valle Lagorara and its archaeological significance.

Buildings and sacred art

The Church of San Bartolomeo Apostolo in Maissana dates back to the 18th century. Its furnishings include frescoes, wooden statues and a 16th-century crucifix. The building in Maissana known as “La prigione dei Fieschi” dates from 1200. The Oratorio di Santa Maria Maddalena, also in Maissana, dates from the 16th century.

The dates provide different points of reference: the building “La prigione dei Fieschi” is associated with the year 1200, the oratory dates from the 16th century, and the Church of San Bartolomeo from the 18th century. The crucifix in the church should also be considered separately, as it dates from the 16th century. Together with the frescoes and wooden statues, these furnishings also make the church of interest to travellers who appreciate sacred art and historic buildings.

Nature and historical traces

The SIC of Torrente Borsa extends as far as the Vara River and protects the habitat of the white-clawed crayfish (Potamon fluviatile) along the river. The SIC of Passo del Bocco focuses on a different theme: it also includes the municipality of Maissana and preserves evidence of human presence dating back to the Middle Palaeolithic. The two areas therefore offer different perspectives on the region: the protection of a river habitat and traces of human presence from the distant past.

In the hamlet of Giandriali, there is a holly tree (Ilex aquifolium) estimated to be 350 years old. It has a circumference of 120 cm and is 16 metres tall. The age is an estimate; the circumference and height provide specific measurements to complement it. For anyone interested in plants and nature, this offers another clearly described natural feature alongside the protected habitats.

Planning your stay

At Parco Avventura Val di Vara, tickets can be purchased at the entrance and online. These are two options to consider when planning your visit. For the Valle Lagorara archaeological site, however, the Centro di Accoglienza in Santa Maria is normally the first point of contact. The different details can help you organise the themes of your stay: jasper and archaeology, historic buildings or nature. This lets you choose what to explore in Maissana based on the interests that matter most to your trip.

Discover more destinations: Piana Battolla, Castello, Lavaggiorosso, Brugnato, Valeriano Lunense, Santo Stefano Di Magra, Le Grazie, Biassa

For the broader travel overview: La Spezia.