Camporgiano on the Serchio
Camporgiano lies on the right bank of the Serchio River in a very green valley between the mountain ranges of the Apuan Alps and the Apennines. The surrounding area is characterised by rolling hills, dense chestnut forests, farmland and extensive meadows on terraced terrain. As a result, the landscape alternates between wooded areas, open farmland and terraced meadows.
Historic trails through the area
The Via Vandelli is now a major hiking trail approximately 150 kilometres long. As a historic trade route, the Via Vandelli passes through the Camporgiano area. For a hike in the Camporgiano area, the approximate total length of the route is only the broader framework. When planning individual stages, the selected section is what matters. Anyone incorporating the hiking trail in the Camporgiano area can limit their own route to this section. For hikers, the selected section remains the specific framework; the total distance describes the larger historic route. Camporgiano also lies on the Via del Volto Santo, one of the best-known branches of the Via Francigena and an alternative to the route established by Bishop Sigeric of Canterbury. The Via del Volto Santo adds a different historical context to this connection. Those hiking here can regard the route as an alternative to the Via Francigena established by Sigeric.
Rocca, church and ceramics
At the Rocca degli Estensi in Camporgiano, some sections of the medieval walls that formed the oldest core of the fortification have been preserved. In Al Poggio, in the municipality of Camporgiano, stands the church of San Biagio, one of the oldest churches in the Garfagnana. The Civica raccolta di ceramiche rinascimentali also commemorates the old Este fortress. For those interested in culture, the medieval walls, the church of San Biagio and Renaissance ceramics can be considered as distinct historical themes. The Rocca and San Biagio are not in the same place: the church is located in Al Poggio, while the fortress is in Camporgiano.
Spelt cultivation and landscape
Spelt is widely cultivated in Camporgiano. Spelt cultivation forms part of an environment in which farmland and terraced meadows shape the landscape. Those interested in agriculture can also explore this type of cultivation in Camporgiano.
Festival Internazionale del Folclore
The Festival Internazionale del Folclore di Camporgiano features performances with dances, folk songs and theatrical presentations of rituals and distinctive elements of folk tradition. The first edition of the festival took place in 1972; since 1978, the event has been held annually. The festival takes place every year during the last ten days of July in the municipal amphitheatre, as well as in the streets and squares of Camporgiano. Anyone planning a visit during this period should therefore not limit their visit to the amphitheatre, but also include the streets and squares as parts of the event venue.
