Gragnanella: Parish Church, Crucifix and Lago di Pontecosi

Gragnanella in the Apuan Alps

Gragnanella is located in the Apuan Alps in the Garfagnana and belongs to the municipality of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. Lago di Pontecosi is located in the vicinity of Gragnanella. The area of the hamlet of Gragnanella extends to the shores of Lago di Pontecosi, which lies in the municipality of Pieve Fosciana.

The Old Village and the Parish Church

The old village of Gragnanella lies on a hill. Its structure is reminiscent of a small fortress, with numerous entrances bounded by arches and portals. As a result, historic passageways and the compact layout shape the appearance of the village.

In the centre of Gragnanella stands the parish church of San Bartolomeo Apostolo, dedicated to Saint Bartholomew the Apostle. The parish church houses a wooden crucifix from the 17th century. The crucifix of Gragnanella is made of wild willow wood and was created during the Baroque period. The church is also the place where the crucifix is kept and where the memorial plaque is attached to its façade.

Memorial Sites and Procession

Gragnanella once had a castle, which is now destroyed. A memorial plaque for the fallen of Gragnanella on the façade of the Church of San Bartolomeo Apostolo commemorates six men from the village who fell in the First World War. The memorial plaque was installed on 17 August 1919.

The Feast of the Most Holy Crucifix is celebrated in Gragnanella every ten years. For the celebrations, the wooden crucifix kept in the Church of San Bartolomeo in Gragnanella is moved and placed on a throne at ten-year intervals. The procession of the large crucifix, held every ten years, dates back to a decision made by the local community in 1985. During this procession, the crucifix was carried through the village in gratitude for having survived the dangers of the Second World War.

Lago di Pontecosi

Lago di Pontecosi is a hydroelectric reservoir created on the Serchio River. The reservoir is used by overwintering waterfowl such as coots and various species of wild ducks. There are picnic areas and fishing spots at Lago di Pontecosi; a large equipped green space is located on the opposite shore.

Hikes and Local Event

On one hike, the route continued from Gragnanella along an old mule track to Pontecosi. The circular route of this hike was approximately 10 km long, was described as easy and considered suitable for everyone. A guided hike led from the historic centre of Castelnuovo via Buggina and the Sentiero dell’Ariosto through Antisciana to Gragnanella.

The traditional “Pizza in Piazza” event takes place in Gragnanella. The local Circolo Anspi organises the event to collect donations for Telethon.

You can also visit Castiglione Di Garfagnana, Casone and Colle.

For the higher-level travel overview: Castelnuovo Di Garfagnana.