Barga is a charming mountainous town, which is situated in the beautiful Garfagnana valley, at an altitude of 410 m above sea level. If you are looking for a place where time has stopped years ago, then you’ve just found it. Barga, originally a commercial and industrial center, is one of the less known historical jewels of Tuscan valley.

You will feel a real medieval romance on every step in Barga. Numerous historical monuments, narrow cobbled streets, magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding picturesque landscape and the typical city walls, that’s a fairy-tale atmosphere you will not want to miss while in Tuscany. Literally magical scenery is made ​​up by the nearby Apuan Alps and the Apennines.

Barga, Tuscany, Italy by Andy Powell

In addition to the preserved original core of the city it is worth seeing even Barga Giardino, a medieval district surrounded by crumbling walls.

The dominant feature is undoubtedly the massive cathedral from the 10th century, with a beautiful pulpit created in the 13th century by sculptor Guido Bigarelli da Como. Other major attractions include the 16th century town hall Palazzo Pretoria or the same old baroque Church of the Santissima Annunziata.

Barga cathedral, Tuscany, Italy by Maria Keays

Every summer Barga hosts jazz and opera festival. Barga is situated in the northwestern part of the region and sits on a slope. It is necessary to mention its convenient location for trips to the surrounding area. A town is less than 40 kilometers away of the provincial capital, Lucca. Then the Leaning Tower of Pisa is just about thirty kilometers further. Just 2 hours driving is another Italian Jewel – Cinque Terre National Park.

Another great tip for the short trip is definitely a thermal swimming pool, just 17 ​​km away, where you can also enjoy great relaxation or mud massage.

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