Seravezza
Seravezza: a gem in Tuscany
If you are looking for a destination to spend your vacation in Italy, you cannot miss Seravezza, a municipality located in the province of Lucca in Tuscany, which houses around 12,314 inhabitants. In this text, I will tell you some geographic, historical and cultural aspects of this small pearl that deserves to be discovered.
Physical geography
Territory
Seravezza is situated in the historic Versilia, within the municipalities of Forte dei Marmi, Stazzema and Pietrasanta, and offers tourists a varied and surprising landscape. To the east, the Apuan Alps extend, while to the west lies the foothill area, which includes the hamlets of Basati and Azzano.
The historic center of Seravezza lies within a small valley crossed by the Serra and Vezza rivers, which originate from the Apuan Alps and join together to form the Versilia river. Despite being located in a low-intensity seismic zone, it offers its visitors lush nature and a breathtaking view of the mountainous ridges of the Apuan Alps.
Climate
The climate of Seravezza is classified as zone D, 1493 GR/G, with low atmospheric diffusivity, according to Ibimet CNR 2002. This characteristic allows tourists to enjoy the landscape even during the cold months of the year.
History
Origin of the name
The name Seravezza derives from the Longobardi toponym "Sala Vetitia", which indicated a center of commercial exchanges. Despite this, it is common to find written "Serravezza" instead of "Seravezza".
The historical evolution of the municipality
In the Middle Ages, the municipality of Seravezza was characterized by the events of the noble families of Corvaia and Vallecchia, and by the wars against the nobility of Lucca. In the territory, there were the two medieval municipalities of Cappella and Pietrasanta, while only in 1515 did Seravezza become a free municipality.
In those years, the extractive activity developed considerably, until the 18th century, when it experienced a crisis that lasted until 1820-1840. During the Second World War, Seravezza was crossed by the Gothic Line and suffered heavy destruction, after which the town was finally liberated by Allied troops on April 5, 1945. Other damages were caused by the Flood of the Versilia on June 19, 1996.
Honors
The municipality of Seravezza was awarded the title of city by the decree of the President of the Republic of December 31, 1975. Besides, President Giorgio Napolitano awarded the municipality with the Silver Medal of Civil Valor on April 21, 2011.
Culture and traditions
Seravezza is renowned for the processing of Carrara marble, which constitutes the heart of local culture and economy. In the municipal territory, there are several marble quarries, which to this day constitute an important resource for the area.
Moreover, the municipality of Seravezza hosts a rich architectural and artistic heritage, including the Church of San Francesco, the Church of San Lorenzo, the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, and Villa Medicea. Every year, on August 10th, the feast of the patron saint, San Lorenzo, is celebrated with an important festival that includes musical, folkloristic, and gastronomic events.
Finally, the geographical location of Seravezza, between the sea and the mountains, offers tourists numerous opportunities for excursions in nature, such as the famous Corchia Caves or the Natural Park of the Apuan Alps.
Conclusions
Seravezza is a place that conquers the hearts of tourists for its beauty, its historical and cultural heritage, its nature, and its traditions. If you want to spend an unforgettable vacation in Tuscany, Seravezza will not disappoint you!
