Fivizzano in Massa Carrara, Tuscany
Fivizzano is famous for its local traditions, the “Disfida degli Arceri di terra e di Corte” (Challenge of the Ground Archers and the Court Archers, a historical evoking), and for humanities, preserved and continued from the 16th century by the Accademia degli Imperfetti.
A View of the Old Town Centre
In the past, Fivizzano was ruled by the Medici Family and in the city it is possible to see traces deriving from this government: i.e. the ancient walls, built under Cosimo de’ Medici in 1540, the Palace and the Tomb of Archade Labindo and the Baroque fountain, built under Cosimo III in 1683.
The large Medicean Square is still today the centre of life in Fivizzano, with the provostal Church, restored after the damage caused by the earthquake of 1920.
The Fantoni Palace, restored by the contemporary citizen of Fivizzano, the doctor and writer Loris Jacopo Bononi, will house the Museum of Printing, to recall that Fivizzano was one of the main centres of this art. Here, it was that Jacopo da Fivizzano opened one of the first printing works in Italy, here the first typewriter was invented and used.
The Augustinian complex is well worth a visit with its library, collection of fine works of art from churches in Fivizzano, the hostel and, on the outside,the bronze monument recalling the origins of Niccolò V, the great Pope who founded the Vatican Library.
Outside the Centre of Fivizzano
Outside the walls, you can visit the Verrucola Castle, built for Spinetta Malaspina and now the residence of the sculptur Pietro Cascella.
Other places, which are well worth a visit, are the Parish Church of S.Paolo di Vendaso, the old town of Soliera with Sanctury devoted to the Madonna dei Colli (Madonna on the Hills), splendid Gragnola, Vinca, high up in the Apuan Alps with its inimitably fine bread, Ceserano, with the farm and vineyards of Count Picedini-Benettini.
Nature and Walking Routes in Fivizzano
For the nature lovers, we invite them to visit the the Botanical Garden of the Frignoli and the village of Sassalbo.
Food and Wine of Fivizzano
Among the typical products: testaroli, panigacci, salami and cold meats, mushrooms, oli, honey, chestnuts, and the Amaro Clementi of Fivizzano (a herb liqueur), which in 1911, at the National Exhibition in Rome won the gold medal, which one year later was won by the famous China Martini.
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