Verni
Exploring Verni: A Journey into Garfagnana's Medieval History
Welcome to Verni, a hamlet in the municipality of Gallicano, located in the province of Lucca in Tuscany. This ancient medieval village, also known as "Castrum Liverni", dates back to the 7th century and was founded by the Lombards. Its strategic location on a rocky and steep hill in the Turrite di Gallicano valley, 522 meters above sea level, made it an important medieval stronghold.
The History of Verni
Verni was owned by the Nobili di Corvaia, nobles of Seravezza. Later, it became a fief of the Lombard family of Porcaresi and was finally included by Lucca in the jurisdiction of Barga in 1272. Over the centuries, Verni was involved in the wars between the Lucchese and the Estensi, and eventually destroyed. Nevertheless, thanks to its excellent view over much of the Serchio valley, it was used as a military stronghold by the various powers that shared Garfagnana.
In 1430, Verni, like many other towns in Garfagnana, was forced to give itself to the Estensi. In 1512, the Duke of Urbino, Francesco della Rovere, conquered Verni, but it was later returned by the Church to the Republic of Lucca. In 1513, a series of disputes and border wars began between Trassilico and Verni, disputes also favored by the different factions of the two towns. Precisely to settle these disputes, it was possible, in the course of 1517, to find a solution for the disputed boundaries in a locality known as "Faggeto", and to determine the delivery of part of the disputed land to Trassilico.
In the 18th century, Verni was a very important center for the production of Lucca silk. The statutes of the municipality of Verni date back to June 30, 1745, and are still preserved in the Lucca Archives.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Parish Church
The parish church of Verni, dedicated to Saint Martin, is one of the oldest sacred buildings in the province of Lucca, dating back to a period before 1000 AD. Inside, it preserves seven altars and several finely crafted artifacts, such as the carved wooden pulpit, the statue of the "Assumption", and the main altar, all dating back to the 16th century. Finally, there is also the statue of the "Dead Jesus."
Chestnut Museum
In Verni, there is also the Chestnut Museum, an ideal place to learn about the long tradition of this fruit in local gastronomy. The museum illustrates the uses of chestnuts in Tuscan culture and presents a wide range of objects, utensils, and tools used for chestnut harvesting and processing.
Verni Woods
Finally, one cannot speak about Verni without mentioning its woods. This wooded area of chestnuts and firs extends along the northern side of the village and offers multiple nature trails with breathtaking panoramic views.
Conclusion
Verni is a medieval gem that deserves to be discovered by anyone looking for a refreshing stop in nature. Thanks to its elevated position, it offers breathtaking landscapes over the Turrite di Gallicano valley and unforgettable views over southern Garfagnana. Visiting Verni means taking a plunge into Tuscany's medieval past and discovering the long tradition of this territory in the production of chestnuts and silk. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Verni and immerse yourself in its nature and millennial history.
