Gallicano

MEDIEVAL VILLAGE SURROUNDED BY THE GREEN GARFAGNANA

Gallicano lies on a valley of Garfagnana surrounded by the Serchio River, halfway between the Park of the Apuan Alps and the Abetone.

The town was formed around the Castle built in the year 1000. After 1370 the castle became a perfect example of a medieval fortress still appreciable.

Visiting Gallicano you may come across buildings still intact, built or modernised during the control of the Republic of Lucca. One of these is the "Pieve di San Jacopo" from the 15th century, a church that is located inside the fortress walls.

Outside the village you can retrace the footsteps of medieval pilgrims walking along the via del Volto Santo, a branch of the via Francigena.

 

Traditions

The Palio di San Jacopo is the most known Gallicano. For over 35 years, in July the 3 districts that has divided the country compete for the realization of the most beautiful float. The puppets in paper mache crossing each year the streets with music and fun.

 

Typical products

In Gallicano the specialty is "focaccia leva", a special bread baked in texts, traditional earthen pots. The bagel you can accompany with "biroldo", the typical salami of Garfagnana, or soft cheeses.

A more typical dish is the "minestrella con i mignecci di formentone", a soup made of herbs served with corn cakes.

 

Photo Credits [vivendoalucca.it]