National Park of Orecchiella,
Villa Collemandina and S. Romano
 |
The Parco Naturale dell'Orecchiella (National Park of Orecchiella)
extends as far as Monte Prado and Monte Vecchio to the North and
as far as Pania di Corfino to the South.
The park is characterised by woods of beech-tree, grasslands and
sheer rock faces over narrow gorges. It is a natural habitat for
birds of prey, squirrels, wild boars, deer, moufflons and many other
animals. In its 52 km² wide area there are also a plateau (on
the slopes of Pania di Corfino) and the valleys of the streams Corte
and Corfino. |
 |
| Parco dell'Orecchiella. a little lake |
|
Parco dell'Orecchiella, botanic garden |
On the left side of the high valley of the river Serchio
we find Villa Collemandina. The village centre is situated
on a rock which falls sheer to the deep valley of Carpineto.
The devastating earthquake, that in 1920 struck the Garfagnana,
started just right from Villa Collemandina.
Thanks to the work of the survivors, who rebuilt the Romanesque
church in the village centre, Villa Collemandina regained
its life within few years. The land activities are also today
one of the most important sources of livelihood for the people.
The municipality of S. Romano Garfagnana (on the left side
of the high valley of the river Serchio too and from which
we can enjoy a wonderful view) is characterised by the ancient
feudal Rocca (Fortress) and the circle of walls. Inside there
is a polygonal keep.
The most suggestive sight is undoubtedly the Fortezza delle
Verrucole (a fortress, built by the House of Este around the
pre-existing keep).
After a period of autonomy, Villa Collemandina fell first
in the hands of the rule of Lucca and then of the House of
Este.
The agriculture, which was once the cornerstone of the local
economy, employs today less then a tenth of the people and
also breeding is today less important. |
 |
| |
San Romano in Garfagnana,
Verrucole fortress |
|
| |
|
|
|
