>>     The ideal place for a perfect tuscany villa holiday - a beautifully restored historic farmhouse, set in the unspoilt countryside of Lunigiana History and Culture of Lunigiana Tuscany Villa Holiday>In Lunigiana>History and Culture Villa Papavero is in Lunigiana where History and Culture are endless. Detailed recorded history in Lunigiana dates back to the Etruscan times (pre. Roman). Lunigiana is known as the land of a hundred castles.   The valleys through mountainous Lunigiana provide critical routes, through mountain passes, to the rest of western Europe. As a result they have been travelled extensively for thousands of years by both traders and by warring armies. Hence the fascinating history and culture.   The valleys containing the famous "Hundred Castles" are only a short scenic drive from Villa Papavero. Although many of these castles were built by the Marquis of Malaspina in the 14th century, some date back to the Bronze age, whilst others are as recent as the 17thcentury.   There are also numerous small villages within a short drive time from Villa Papavero, each with its own special history and architecture. Below are some of our favourites: Bagnone the jewel of Lunigiana, with its ancient walls and castle Villafranca has the Ethnographic museum showing life in Lunigiana Filetto a most unusual squared, walled town Fivizzano, a Medici village, has a church and a fountain built by that famous family Pontremoli castle is the home of the Stele museum, containing a collection of ancient statues Aulla has a castle and a pilgrim church Lerici a seaside town with a beautiful beach and a fascinating museum Portovenere, famed for its beautiful sea scapes and its multi-coloured houses, has an ancient chapel and castle Castle at Bagnone Castle of Verrucola in Fivizzano Every town and city has its own history and culture. There are beautiful churches, museums, art galleries and civic buildings. Places that are easily reached from Villa Papavero include: Genova Parma Bologna Carrara Lucca Torre el Largo (Puccini) Pisa Prato Firenze (Florence) Volterra San Gimignano Sienna Lucca - Piazza Amfiteatro Romano San Gimignano And of course, you cannot visit this area without visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa!   No matter where you visit there are always local bars where drinks and snacks can be found. Amongst the local food shops are specialist shops selling traditional home made oils, cheeses, ham etc.   You can dine in small Osterias, family run retaurants, where lovely food is served at very reasonable prices. Home | WebSite Map | Contact the Owners | Villa Accommodation | Villa Garden | Tuscany Wedding | Local Shopping | In Lunigiana | Weather  Travel to Lunigiana | Villa Rental | Terms and Conditions | WebSite Links Built by John Holden, a Web Site Designer based in Sheffield, using PageBreeze Professional - Copyright 2009, Loveday Property Services