Gorfigliano
Welcome to Gorfigliano: a brief introduction
Gorfigliano is a picturesque hamlet located in the mountains of Tuscany, precisely in the province of Lucca. At an altitude of 685 meters above sea level and at the slopes of Mount Pisanino, Gorfigliano is a lovely place for those who love nature and tranquility. In this article, we will guide you through the discovery of this location, through its history, monuments and places of interest, traditions, and culture.
The origin of the name
The name Gorfigliano derives from the land properties of a certain Curfilius, who took possession of the land after the Romans defeated the Apuani, the people who lived in those areas before the arrival of the Romans. Later on, the name Fundus disappeared, and only the term Curfilianus remained. Over time, this term evolved into the current name of Gorfigliano.
The history of Gorfigliano
Gorfigliano has roots that date back to the Middle Ages when a castle was built on the "Colle di Casa." Under the influence of the Garfagnana and Lunigiana earthquake of 1920, the village suffered significant damage. Today, the houses of the old settlement are nothing but ruins. The castle also no longer exists, except for the surrounding walls and the base of the tower, on which the bell tower of the old church of Gorfigliano was built. This church underwent a 28-year restoration, led by volunteers from 1983. The so-called New Church of Gorfigliano, built in front of the old one, is the result of reconstruction work after the earthquake.
Places of interest
The old church of Gorfigliano
The old church of Gorfigliano is one of the most important monuments in the village. After the earthquake of 1920, the old church was abandoned. But thanks to the work of the Gorfigliano parish priest, Alberto Bartolomei, the old church was renovated starting from 1983. Today it is a place of worship and a symbol of the village's history.
The Crucifix by Annigoni
The Chapel of the Pancetti Family, located near the new cemetery of Gorfigliano, houses a fresco made by the famous Italian painter Pietro Annigoni. The crucifix depicted in this work of art is the only one in the territory of the province of Lucca signed by the painter.
Society and culture
Traditions and festivals
Gorfigliano is famous for the traditional religious celebrations and festivals that take place every year. One of these events is the Natalecchio, a ceremony held on December 24, in which a bonfire made of juniper and broom branches is lit around a chestnut pole. Another important festival is the historical reenactment of marble miners, which takes place on the second Sunday of August in the locality of Segheria. During this event, visitors can witness the demonstration of the technique of cutting marble blocks with the helical wire and the phases of the processing of the marble extracted from the local quarries.
In conclusion, Gorfigliano is a unique and magical place, whose traditions, culture, and natural beauties fascinate thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. If you have the chance to visit Gorfigliano, you won't be disappointed!
