Rocchetta di Vara
Rocchetta di Vara: a small town in the heart of Liguria
Hello friends! Today I want to talk to you about a small town in Liguria called Rocchetta di Vara. This municipality has a population of just over 670 inhabitants and is located in the province of La Spezia.
Physical geography
The territory of Rocchetta di Vara is located in the upper Val di Vara, near the confluence of the Cassarola stream into the Gravegnola river, which in turn is a left tributary of the Vara river. The area is part of the Montemarcello-Magra-Vara Regional Natural Park and the Lunigiana region.
History
The origin of Rocchetta di Vara dates back to pre-Roman times, as evidenced by numerous artifacts dating back to the 2nd century BC. In the village of Suvero, the most important archaeological finds are exhibited at the Ubaldo Formentini Archaeological Museum.
In the Middle Ages, Rocchetta di Vara was included in the territories of the Brugnato bishopric and became a defensive position against the domination of the Dioceses of Luni. Over the centuries, the territory passed into the hands of the Obertenghi, the Este, and finally the Malaspina of the Villafranca in Lunigiana branch.
Subsequently, Rocchetta di Vara was governed for over thirty years by the Republic of Genoa, under which the adjacent village of Suvero also belonged. In 1500, the brothers Tommaso and Giovanni Malaspina divided the territory, assigning Rocchetta to Tommaso and Suvero to Giovanni. The feudal ownership remained with the Malaspina until the suppression of the imperial fiefs with the advent of Napoleon Bonaparte.
After following the events of the Cispadane Republic and the subsequent Cisalpine Republic, Rocchetta di Vara was assigned to the Duchy of Modena and Reggio, and then to the Kingdom of Sardinia. Since 1861, the municipality has been included in the borders of the Kingdom of Italy. In 1923, the municipal territory underwent the last adjustments and settlements, with the aggregation of the Veppo hamlet and the transfer of Cavanella to Beverino.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Rocchetta di Vara is a municipality with an ancient and fascinating history, rich in archaeological finds and historical events. The territory, immersed in the nature of the Montemarcello-Magra-Vara Regional Natural Park, is an ideal place for those who want to enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of Liguria. If you are near Rocchetta di Vara, do not hesitate to pay a visit and discover all that this small town has to offer!
