San Romano in Garfagnana
Welcome to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana!
Are you ready to explore the beautiful Castelnuovo di Garfagnana? This Tuscan village, located in the province of Lucca, is the capital of Garfagnana and has a population of 5593. Get ready to discover the history and beauty of the area!
Physical Geography
Territory
The village is located at the confluence of the Serchio river and the Tùrrite Secca stream. Additionally, in Castelnuovo a particular mineral called Dinite was discovered, named after Olinto Dini, a physics professor at the University of Pisa.
Climate
Castelnuovo sits in an area with medium-high seismicity and has a climatic classification of zone E. Atmospheric diffusivity is low.
History
Castelnuovo di Garfagnana has an ancient and interesting history. Traces of the Etruscan presence and of Rome in the area of the current border with the municipality of Pieve Fosciana have been found. The first documented news of the settlement dates back to 740 AD during Lombard times.
In the Early Middle Ages, little is known about the first centuries of the Lower period, the only reference of which concerns the presence of the church of S. Pietro in some documents dating back to periods between 773 and 1045. In 1234, the people of Lucca gave up the castle of Castelnuovo which had become a pledge of the Roman court.
In the fourteenth century, Castelnuovo had established itself as one of the most important transit centers in Garfagnana. The Republic of Lucca became a lordship, and at its head was Castruccio Castracani, a great politician and military man who ordered the construction of the bridge to connect the existing castle to the ancient village of "Cellabarotti."
After the restoration of republican freedom in 1369, Castelnuovo continued to be part of the state of Lucca during the period of Pisan domination.
In 1429, in view of the offensive of Florence that was penetrating Garfagnana, Castelnuovo voluntarily submitted to Niccolò d'Este of Ferrara, becoming the capital of the newborn province of Garfagnana. The Estense family made many gifts to the inhabitants. The old capital, Castiglione di Garfagnana, would remain faithful to Lucca, constituting a fortified enclave surrounded by the Estense province.
Castelnuovo di Garfagnana reached its period of greatest splendor during the Estense period, but also the most dramatic period of its history when, in 1512, it suffered the invasion of the troops of Pope Julius II and his allies in the war against the Estense. In 1512, Francesco della Rovere, Duke of Urbino, entered Castelnuovo but was soon removed by the return of the people of Lucca. In 1521, the Florentines finally took possession of the city, supported by Pope Leo X.
Conclusions
Castelnuovo di Garfagnana is a beautiful city rich in history. Its geographical position offers an exceptional panoramic view of Tuscany. Thanks to its past linked to the Dukes of Este, the town has been enriched with numerous works of art and beautiful period palaces. Do not miss the opportunity to visit Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and admire its natural and historical beauties!
