Cardoso
Cardoso: A picturesque village in Versilia
Cardoso is a hamlet in Stazzema, a municipality located in the province of Lucca, in Tuscany. The hamlet is situated in the valley of the Cardoso stream and is surrounded by the beautiful mountains of the Apuan Alps, including Pania della Croce and Monte Forato. The Cardoso valley extends to the towns of Pruno, Volegno, Colombetta and Orzale.
Physical geography
The natural landscape surrounding Cardoso is a true spectacle of nature. It is a wooded area and rich in water that has helped form human settlements since ancient times. The Cardoso valley is characterized by the stream of the same name that runs through the hamlet. The valley offers a scenic view of the beauty of nature that extends at the foot of the mountains.
History
The Cardoso area has been inhabited since the Neolithic age, as evidenced by the archaeological finds found in the "buche delle fate". The village was founded in 1407, thanks to the union of the locations of Malineventre and Farneta. The village developed mainly as a mining area thanks to its iron mines and stone quarries scattered throughout the territory. In the seventeenth century, Cardoso was divided into hamlets due to internal conflicts. However, at the end of the century, all the hamlets were reunited, including the village of Orzale.
Flood of 1996
On June 19, 1996, Versilia was hit by a tragic flood that caused the death of many people and enormous damage throughout the area. Cardoso was really affected by the flood, which destroyed many buildings and caused the collapse of a bridge connecting it with neighboring towns. Although there was damage, the destructive force of the flood was mitigated by the fact that the event occurred during the day when many people were out of their homes.
Cardoso village in the modern period
Currently, the village of Cardoso has fewer than 100 residents, despite its history and unique charm. The peaceful and tranquil life of the village is characterized by the beauty of the surrounding nature, the pleasures of life, and the traditions that still survive. Cardoso is a true treasure of Tuscany that combines the beauty of nature with the history and traditions of the past.
Attractions in Cardoso
Cardoso offers several activities for its residents and visitors. During the summer period, the village hosts a sort of festival that presents the typical products of the area. The festival, known as "Sagra delle Frittelle," is held every year in August. The festival offers the opportunity to try the delicacies of the local cuisine and have fun with traditional music and dances.
In addition, for hiking and nature lovers, Cardoso can be the ideal base. The Cardoso valley is perfect for walks in the mountains and along the stream. Visitors can also enjoy the Regional Natural Park of the Apuan Alps, which hosts amazing rock formations, caves, and surreal natural landscapes.
Conclusion
Cardoso is an enchanted village that offers visitors many opportunities for fun and relaxation. Thanks to the beauty of nature and the history that surrounds it, the village is a wonderful stop for those who want to discover the lesser-known side of Tuscany.
