Discover Ortonovo

For a culturally and historically focused stay, there are several themes to explore: religious buildings, historic entrances, and the Roman history of the colony of Luna. If you are looking for a hotel in Ortonovo, it may help to consider these interests separately when planning your trip. Church architecture, preserved traces at the town entrance, and archaeological topics each offer a different focus.

Townscape and historic entrances

Ortonovo lies on a spur of a terraced ridge. The main entrance opens onto a square; pointed arches and regularly cut stone blocks mark it out. These features give the entrance a clearly recognizable architectural design. At Porta di sotto, the road still has its original cobblestones in places. Lunensian marble remains are also present at Porta di sotto. The cobblestones have therefore not been preserved throughout, but only along individual stretches; the marble remains are another distinct historical feature.

Churches and architectural history

The Chiesa abbaziale dei Santi Lorenzo e Martino was built between 1621 and 1645 and consecrated on February 5, 1651. The construction period and the later consecration date mark two successive stages in its history. Its interior has three naves and ten side chapels. The naves divide the space into lengthwise sections, while the side chapels extend this layout to the sides. The church’s basic layout and the number of chapels can thus be appreciated as distinct architectural features.

The Santuario di Nostra Signora del Mirteto was designed and built in the mid-16th century by the architect Ippolito Marcello, who came from Lucca. This sanctuary also has three naves. It also features a carved and painted wooden processional cross from the 17th century. The details therefore point to two different dates: the sanctuary’s construction in the mid-16th century and the later cross. Considering the building’s history and its furnishings separately makes it easier to understand the features of the building and of this individual work of art.

The Torre di Guinigi dates from around 1404 and was built as a tall observation tower. Its date is connected with Paolo Guinigi’s acquisition of the tower in 1404. The Casa natale di Ceccardo Roccatagliata Ceccardi offers a different historical detail: the coat of arms of the noble family has been preserved at the entrance. The tower and the coat of arms thus convey different aspects of local history—the stated function of a building and a surviving family emblem.

Roman history and remembrance

The Roman colony of Luna was founded in 177 BC. In the archaeological park of Luni, sections of the Cardo and the Decumanus are accessible on foot. These two names give the surviving stretches of road specific historical designations; it is also important to note that only parts of them are accessible. To visit the archaeological site, take a bus journey of about 20 minutes towards Luni Scavi – Via Falaschi. After getting off, cross the road, take Via Appia, and follow it for about 100 metres to the site.

The Battaglia di Ortonovo event commemorates the Battle of Ortonovo in April 1945. Its activities include exhibitions or parades of restored historic military vehicles, including trucks, jeeps, and motorcycles. As part of the event, the association also organizes conferences on research into the battle and the surrounding areas. Alongside remembrance of the historic event, research and its presentation are also central to the program.

When planning your trip, you can choose a focus based on your interests: church architecture, Roman history, or remembrance of 1945. For the bus journey, it is a good idea to check the current timetable; check the event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: La Spezia, Santo Stefano Di Magra, Carrodano, Lerici, Piano di Follo, Tirolo, Tivegna, Manarola.

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