Stazzema: Apuan Mountain Landscapes and History

Stazzema is surrounded by the Apuan Alps and is considered the only entirely mountainous centre in this part of Tuscany. Its panoramic setting offers views of numerous hamlets; strategically located, the town overlooks the entire Mulina Valley. Landscapes, historic sites, and hiking trails give your trip different points of focus.

History and visible traces

Two historical events, dating to different periods, are associated with the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta. The first document concerning the Pieve, filed in the archbishop’s archive in Lucca, is dated 871. In 1255, the nobles of Versilia signed an alliance there called the “Lega di Stazzema.” The dates therefore refer to different kinds of historical records: a filed document and the conclusion of an alliance.

The Torre dell’Orologio in the historic centre of Stazzema dates to 1739. The Torre dell’Argentiera is one of the defensive structures still visible in Stazzema’s historic silver-mining area. The two towers thus offer different points of interest: one is associated with a specific year of construction, the other with the historic mining landscape.

Several metati in Stazzema are connected with the tradition of drying chestnuts. If you wish to visit specific sites, check in advance which metati are accessible, as individual sites and their availability may change. Chestnuts also feature in the regional cuisine: the tradition therefore has both cultural and culinary significance.

Hiking and sightseeing

A moderately difficult hiking route leads from Stazzema, with a short detour to the Rifugio Forte dei Marmi, to the summit of Monte Matanna and back along the same path. It is also suitable for families with children. If you are planning this route, check local conditions before setting out.

Around Sant’Anna di Stazzema, near Stazzema, the Sentieri di Pace comprise six circular routes along historic mule tracks. The trails bring the history of the Sant’Anna massacre and the place itself to life. Their historical significance distinguishes them from the Monte Matanna route, which focuses on reaching the summit and returning along the same path.

The tourist visit to the Antro del Corchia follows a steel walkway for about two kilometres, is guided in groups, and lasts around two hours. If you are planning a visit, check the schedule and access conditions in advance; both may change. The formats are different: here, a group-guided visit with a stated duration; there, a moderately difficult hike with a summit as its destination.

Regional cuisine

In Stazzema, you can try dishes from Alta Versilia cuisine. These include Tordelli versiliesi, ravioli with ragù, and sweets made with chestnut flour: Castagnaccio and Ciacci with ricotta. Ballotti, chestnuts cooked with fennel seeds, are also part of the cuisine. These dishes showcase different uses of regional ingredients; chestnuts in particular connect the culinary examples with the tradition of chestnut drying, which continues in the metati.

For planning, you can organise your options around the activity you prefer: a hike with a summit as its destination, circular routes with a historical focus, a group-guided visit, or regional cuisine. The specific details about the route, guided visit, and duration help distinguish these options. For hiking, local conditions should be taken into account; for a visit to the Antro del Corchia, it is advisable to check the schedule and access in advance.

Discover more destinations

Palagnana, Terrinca, Farnocchia, Levigliani, Culla, Retignano, Gorfigliano, Altopascio

For the main travel overview: Lucca.