Maissana
Discovering the Beauty of Maissana, Liguria
Maissana is a small municipality in the province of La Spezia, located in the stunning region of Liguria. With its 581 inhabitants, this hipster and cool village hides surprising natural and historical riches. If you're looking for a destination off the beaten tourist path and a break from the city frenzy, Maissana might be the right choice for you. Here's everything you need to know about this enchanting commune in Liguria.
Physical Geography
Maissana is located in Val di Vara, a valley situated in the Liguria region. The valley spans 25 km along the right bank of the Vara river. The municipality's territory lies at an altitude of about 350 meters above sea level and covers 15.23 km².
History
According to research on the territory, the village of Maissana and its hamlets have been populated since prehistoric times, with the presence of the Ligurian Lapicini tribe. This people, located between the coastal towns of Moneglia and Sestri Levante, was known for extracting and processing local stone.
In 205 BC, Maissana was declared a municipality of the Roman Empire, becoming part of the ninth Roman region. During this historical period, some Roman coins dating back to the imperial era of Claudius and Nero were found.
During the feudal era, the Este and Malaspina families dominated the territory of Maissana. Later on, the fiefdom passed to the Fieschi, counts of Lavagna, who built a castle in Lagorara. The ownership of the fiefdom then passed to the Doria family and, indirectly, to the Republic of Genoa, which incorporated the fiefdom of Maissana into the podesteria of Castiglione Chiavarese, within the Captaincy of Chiavari.
In 1797, with the French domination of Napoleon Bonaparte, Maissana became part of the Department of Entella, with Chiavari as its capital, within the Ligurian Republic. From April 28th, 1798, with the new French regulations, Maissana became part of the VI Canton, as its capital, of the Jurisdiction of Gromolo and Vara and, from 1803, became the main center of the VII Canton of Gromolo in the Jurisdiction of Entella.
What to Visit in Maissana
Maissana is renowned for its natural landscapes, inviting visitors to take walks, discover paths that can also be traveled by bike, and admire its historical wealth.
The Vara River flows along the valley and is a natural spectacle worth visiting. Moreover, the valley is surrounded by mountains and hills that offer a panoramic view of the surrounding territory.
History enthusiasts will have the opportunity to visit the ruins of a medieval castle in Lagorara, dating back to the 12th century. The castle is located on the top of a hill overlooking the valley and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains.
Culture enthusiasts cannot miss visiting the Church and Parish Archive of San Martino. The church dates back to the 13th century and is an example of Lombard Gothic architecture. Here, you can admire ancient frescoes and paintings of considerable historical value.
Where to Eat in Maissana
The local cuisine of Maissana reflects its peasant origin and offers authentic and genuine dishes of the Ligurian tradition.
Agritourisms are a good choice for tasting typical products of the local agriculture.
Moreover, the territory surrounding the municipality hosts many wine companies that produce prestigious wines of the area.
What to Do in Maissana
Maissana's fortunate location, immersed in nature but easily accessible, creates a unique situation for sports and adventure lovers.
The Vara valley is a paradise for those who love to walk, go on excursions of varying difficulty, or travel the numerous bike trails. Additionally, the territory is suitable for activities such as rafting, kayaking, and sport fishing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Maissana is a municipality that offers visitors the opportunity to discover an authentic and lesser-known Liguria. From its historical heritage to its natural beauties, passing through its gastronomy and the numerous sports activities, Maissana represents an ideal destination for those seeking a vacation of authenticity and relaxation.
