Pieve Fosciana
Pieve Fosciana: a dive into the history of Tuscany
Hello everyone! Today I'm here to talk about Pieve Fosciana, a small town in the province of Lucca in Tuscany, with just over 2000 inhabitants. In this article, I'll take you on a journey through the history of this place, from its prehistoric origins to the present day.
Origins
The territory of Pieve Fosciana has a long history that dates back to prehistoric times, specifically to the Neolithic era. However, the first settlements date back to the Roman era, as evidenced by the archaeological findings found and dated back to that time. The name of the town probably derives from the word "pieve", which refers to an ancient church present in the area that administered the community, and from the Latin name "Fuscianus", to which the suffix "-ana" was added to indicate ownership.
Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, the community of Pieve Fosciana mainly dedicated itself to agriculture, which always constituted the main source of wealth for the village. The church, the only religious building in the entire Garfagnana territory where baptism could be received, had a particular role of importance, as attested by an official document dating back to 1168. During this period, a well-known Franciscan preacher, Blessed Herculaneum of Piegaro, founded some communities of the observance reform movement in Garfagnana. Two convents dedicated to Saint Francis were established: one in the surroundings of Barga and another in Pieve Fosciana.
From modern age to the present day
Between the 12th and 15th centuries, Pieve Fosciana was annexed to the possessions of the Duchy of Modena of the Este family, whose rule continued until the invasion of French troops led by Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1814, after the fall of the Napoleonic Empire, Pieve Fosciana returned to the Estensi family, who ruled until its annexation to the Kingdom of Italy in 1861 by King Victor Emmanuel II of Savoy. The most recent history of Pieve Fosciana was marked by World War II, during which the town was located for over seven months in the immediate rear of the Gothic Line, undergoing artillery and air bombardments.
What to see in Pieve Fosciana
If you find yourself in Pieve Fosciana, I recommend visiting some of the historical attractions of the town, such as the church of Santa Maria di Campori, built by Gunduald of Lombard origin in 764, and the convent of San Francesco "ai Frati", where the relics of Blessed Herculaneum of Piegaro are kept. In addition, you can admire the town hall, a neoclassical building dating back to the 19th century.
Cultural and food and wine activities
Pieve Fosciana is famous for its cultural events, such as the Fair of San Michele, where you can find local typical products, from extra virgin olive oil to wine, from honey to cheese. Furthermore, the town offers many outdoor activities such as walks in the uncontaminated nature of Garfagnana.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you want to dive into the history of Tuscany and discover the lesser-known beauties of Garfagnana, Pieve Fosciana is the right place for you! With its millenary history and its cultural and food and wine activities, this town will fascinate you with its beauty and flavours.
