The best running trails around Sarzana

Improperly named Palazzo Roderio, after the Genoese architect who designed it. The building, constructed between the 15th and 16th centuries, features the typical structure of Genoese palaces, with a central courtyard bordered by a portico around which the various rooms unfold. The courtyard displays several coats of arms and several fragments of ancient columns from the Roman colony of Luni. The municipal council chamber, located on the first floor and at the top of the imposing marble staircase, houses large paintings depicting some of the illustrious men who shaped Sarzana's history, including Nicholas V.

It was built on the area where the parish church of San Basilio once stood, starting in 1204. Construction work ended in 1474 with the completion of the upper part of the façade by Leonardo Riccomanni. Following the completion of the work, in 1735 the statues of Saint Eutychiano in the centre, of Sergius IV on the left and of Nicholas V on the right were placed on the façade. The building, which represents the sum of all the historical-artistic production of Sarzana and the Magra Valley, has been elevated to a minor basilica. It preserves, among other works, the crucifix by Mastro Gugliermo (1138), the first dated example of a painted cross in the history of art.

The building of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, erected on the area occupied by the previous parish church of San Basilio, is consequent to the transfer of the bishop's seat from Luni to Sarzana in 1204. È assai probabile che i lavori siano effettivamente iniziati solo alla fine del secolo XIII. In 1355, the lower part of the façade was completed (as recalled by the inscription engraved on the marble architrave of the portal), while in 1474 Lorenzo Riccomanni da Pietrasanta created the rose window that adorns the upper part. The construction of the bell tower also dates back to the 15th century, while between the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century, the two side bodies flanking the marble façade were built to open the six internal chapels. Also dating back to the 18th century are the statues placed at the crowning of the building depicting three important exponents of the Lunigiana church: Pope Sergius IV, St. Eutichiano and Nicholas V. The interior with three wide naves divided by octagonal pillars and covered by a valuable wooden coffered ceiling, created in 1670 by Pietro Giambelli from Pisa, preserves important testimonies of art and faith: among them, the Reliquary of the Precious Blood of Christ and the painted Cross by Mastro Guglielmo, a cornerstone of Italian Romanesque painting, signed and dated 1138. (c) https://visitsarzana.it/cathedral-santa-maria-assunta/

Ideal for trekking and running

The Parco Archeologico di Luni is an important archaeological site in the Liguria region. The park houses the remains of the ancient Roman city of Luna, founded in 177 BC at the mouth of the river Magra. The city of Luna was once a prosperous and powerful city, thanks to the exploitation of marble quarries and the marble trade. The archaeological site allows visitors to discover the remains of wealthy houses, public and religious buildings, and an impressive amphitheatre. The park includes several public areas of the Roman city, such as the forum, the Capitoline area and the Decumanus Maximus, the civil basilica, the curia and the Cardo Maximus, the Great Temple and some noble houses (Domus dei Mosaici, Domus Settentrionale, Domus degli Affreschi). The Museo Archeologico Nazionale e Zona Archeologica di Luni, which is part of the park, is the most important archaeological institution in Eastern Liguria, both for the size and the scientific significance of its collections. The museum is accessible to people with disabilities and families with pushchairs.

The Testaforte Tower was built in 1513 by the mayor of Sarzana, Luchino Stella. The Carpena family later built their residence, Villa Carpena, on the tower. The tower is connected to the Citadel by a footbridge that crosses Porta Romana, the southern entrance to the city, surmounted by a large statue of the Madonna and the coat of arms of Genoa.

Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, also known as “piazza della Calcandola”, is the heart of the historic center of Sarzana. The square has an irregular shape that is the result of a long-term adaptation of humans to settle in this special area. This area between the Calcandola River and the Burgus Sarzane (11th century) was originally an extensive alluvial terrain formed by rocks and sediments that often underwent flooding from the Calcandola River. In this square, on the morning of October 6, 1306, before mass, Dante Alighieri received a blank power of attorney from Franceschino Malaspina, Marquis of Mulazzo. Along the perimeter of the square you will find the town hall and many commercial activities such as shops, bars and restaurants. In the middle of the square there is a fountain that you can sit next to.

The cathedral has a marble reredos (1432) by Riccomani. To the right of the choir, a vial that is said to have contained Christ's blood is kept in a chapel. In the chapel on the left hangs a crucifix, a masterpiece of Romanesque art by Guglielmo de Lucques (1138).