Castelnuovo di Garfagnana is a town located in the province of Lucca, with a population of 6,118. It covers an area of 28.5 square kilometers and is located at an altitude of 270 meters above sea level. The municipality is located at the confluence of the Serchio River and the Turrita Secca stream and is part of the Garfagnana region. The town’s main economic resources are grain production and chemical and textile industries.From a historical point of view, the first traces of civilization found in the area date back to Etruscan and Roman times, but the earliest documents attesting to settlement date from 740 AD, during the period of Lombard domination. Over time, the village developed as an important mercantile center due to its favorable location near waterways. In 1320, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana came under the control of Castruccio Castracani, who had a bridge built to connect the castle to the village. Subsequently, the village came under the rule of Lucca until 1430, when the Estensi took over. During this period several religious buildings were built, including the Duomo, and the borgo became a vicariate seat. The Estes ruled the village for most of the time, with a brief period of control by the Republic of Florence. French troops invaded the region and remained in the territory until 1814. Thereafter, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana returned to the hands of the Este family until 1861, the year of the Unification of Italy.Among the attractions to visit, the historic center is dominated by the Rocca, which was once the residence of the Este commissioners and hosted famous personalities such as Ludovico Ariosto. Today the Rocca houses a permanent exhibition on Ligurian culture in the Garfagnana region, which includes a collection of artifacts from the Bronze Age and Mesolithic periods. Another major attraction is the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, built in the 16th century on the ruins of an 11th-century Romanesque church. Inside the cathedral is a splendid Della Robbia terracotta altarpiece depicting St. Joseph, attributed to Verrocchio, a marble frame made in Civitali’s workshop, and a painting by Michele di Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio depicting the Madonna with Saints.Other attractions to visit include the Fortress of Mont’Alfonso, built in the late 16th century, and the Convent of San Giuseppe, commonly known as "dei Cappuccini." Castelnuovo di Garfagnana is also home to the Alfieri Theater, one of the largest in the province.
