Molazzana, Vergemoli e Gallicano
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For those who love mountain climbing, in the area of the municipality
Molazzana, it is possible to reach the highest peaks of Pania Secca
(1711 m) and Pizzo delle Saette (1720 m). There are also many caves
(such as the Revel Abyss, 300 m), therefore this land attracts even
many spelaeologists.
The underwood of Molazzana and its by-products represent an enormous
source of richness for the town. In the area of Alpe di S. Antonio
it is still possible to see the old copper mines. Another extremely
beautiful town, particularly in the highest areas and near the Trombacco
and the Turrite Cava lakes, is Gallicano, that is now part of the
Parco Naturale delle Apuane (the Natural Park of the Apuan Alps).
The old town centre lies high at the right side of the stream Turrite,
near the Church of S. Jacopo, rising at the top of the town, and
near the ancient fortress. |
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| Gallicano, The facade of the Cathedral |
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Gallicano, the interior of the Cathedral "Virgin and the Child"
by Della Robbia |
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Inside the S. Jacopo Cathedral, we can admire the
wonderful altar-piece made of glazed earthenware (Andrea della Robbia
is thought to be its sculptor). In the neighbourhood there are some
Romanesque churches such as: S. Lucia, S. Andrea and S. Maria. The
town Vergemoli is surrounded by several mountains, that is to say:
Pania della Croce, Monte Forato and Pania Secca, and is crossed
by the stream Turrite di Petrosciana. The name Vergemoli comes from
Latin "Vallis Gemini", (that means "Twin valleys")
and is due by its position since it lies in the middle of two valleys.
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Really remarkable is also the Eremo di Calomini (the Calomini
Hermitage), a worship and prayer place (since 13th century) that
lies on a precipice. The town Fabbriche di Vallico stands on the
contrary along the valley of the stream Turrite Cava. This town
became a self-governing community in 1946, but has reached the actual
organisation only in 1948, when the little village Trassalico was
united to Gallicano. Fabbriche di Vallico originated from an Augustinian
monastery (the Eremo di San Giorgio e Galgano in Vallebona) and
was founded in 1214. |
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| Gallicano, Hermitage of Calomini |
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Gallicano, altar inside the Hermitage of Calomini |
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