Tavernelle: History and Hiking Trails

When looking for hotels in Tavernelle, two aspects help you get a sense of the destination: its historic townscape and the variety of hiking routes. The buildings date back several centuries; the routes described follow the Taverone or head towards named destinations. This can help you decide whether to plan your stay around the borgo’s architectural history or a hiking route.

Historic Townscape and the Via del Sale

The historic village stretches along a single street, lined mainly with buildings dating from the 15th century. Arcades, galleries, and sandstone structures define Tavernelle’s townscape. Alfonso Saffi had a fortified tower house built in 1516. The Church of San Rocco is also a specific landmark in the area’s architectural history: it dates from the 16th century, was built by the Antonetti family, and rebuilt in 1601.

Tavernelle lies along the ancient Via del Sale, also known as the Via di Linari. The route connects the Val di Magra with the Passo del Lagastrello. Via di Linari therefore refers to the same historic route, not a second one. The village’s name probably comes from the many taverns that welcomed travelers along this old road.

One edition of the partisan hike “Ièn andà ai monti” took place on September 22, 2012. The hike began in the borgo of Tavernelle, headed towards Apella, and passed through Taponecco.

Hiking Routes with Different Destinations

Stage 11 of the Trekking Lunigiana leads from Tavernelle to Comano Castello. Near Tavernelle, it crosses the Taverone and then climbs towards Catognano. The “Rif. Sarzana – Monte Sillara – Rif. Lagoni” route passes through the Taverone Valley from Tavernelle and climbs through chestnut woods, clearings, and then beech forests. The descriptions offer different ways to choose a hike: Stage 11 specifies a clear destination and a route that includes a river crossing and a climb; the route over Monte Sillara can be identified by its sequence of woods and clearings.

An easy hike follows a simple path from Tavernelle to Apella. This adds a trail with a clearly named destination and an easy rating to the described routes with river crossings and forest sections.

The Taverone and Getting There

Near Tavernelle, the Taverone narrows on the descent after about 15 minutes, forming a lovely pool. Access is via a descent that requires care. If you plan to include the pool in your hike, take this descent into account. The hike along the Taverone also leads to a picturesque stone bridge; along the way, you can also spot an old mill that is a private home.

Tavernelle is about 6 km from Licciana and can be reached via the SP74 del Lagastrello. These two details help with different parts of your planning: the approximate distance shows Tavernelle’s location relative to Licciana, while the SP74 del Lagastrello identifies the road to the village.

Discover more destinations: Amola, Apella, Monti, Pontebosio

Return to the regional travel overview: Licciana-Nardi.