Barga is one of the many exceptional hilltop towns in Tuscany and, certainly, the most amazing in in Garfagnana, in the province of Lucca. It has won numerous prestigious awards for the quality of its tourist services over the years, such as the Italian Touring Club Orange Flag and the Città Slow award, and is officially listed as of One of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.
If you have found a luxury villa in Lucca, it makes for an easy day trip and a lovely place to spend time wandering and taking in the true Tuscan pace, and way, of life.
The town's Cathedral, the Collegiata di San Cristoforo, is considered one of the most important Romanesque examples in Tuscany. One of the oldest buildings in the town, it is filled with frescoes and sculptures and it is well worth popping inside for a look. Barga is also home to a beautifully restored castle that is perched above the town.
If you have found a luxury villa in Lucca, it makes for an easy day trip and a lovely place to spend time wandering and taking in the true Tuscan pace, and way, of life.
The town's Cathedral, the Collegiata di San Cristoforo, is considered one of the most important Romanesque examples in Tuscany. One of the oldest buildings in the town, it is filled with frescoes and sculptures and it is well worth popping inside for a look. Barga is also home to a beautifully restored castle that is perched above the town.
There are some other architectural gems but, rather than seeking out specific examples, we recommend that you merely wander the lanes and streets to stumble across the local characters, amazing vistas and palaces, shops, and restaurants. For the best views, head to the "Arringo", the large lawn located between the main cathedral and the Praetorian Palace, which boasts breathtaking views of Barga's magnificent surrounding landscape on each side.
Local dishes are also a must for anyone visiting the town and fried trout, grilled with potatoes or with a spiced tomato sauce, and vegetable soups featuring Garfagnana's famous mushrooms and chestnuts are key dishes to try.
There are also some amazing events that take place in the town. If you are visiting in July, we must mention the Barga Opera Festival and, if you are visiting in August, we recommend the Barga Jazz Festival, which is an important musical and cultural event that takes place annually and which we have written about previously.
Local dishes are also a must for anyone visiting the town and fried trout, grilled with potatoes or with a spiced tomato sauce, and vegetable soups featuring Garfagnana's famous mushrooms and chestnuts are key dishes to try.
There are also some amazing events that take place in the town. If you are visiting in July, we must mention the Barga Opera Festival and, if you are visiting in August, we recommend the Barga Jazz Festival, which is an important musical and cultural event that takes place annually and which we have written about previously.
There is also a second-hand and antiques fair every second Sunday of the month, from 8am, which see the historic centre fill with over 60 stands selling a variety of unique objects.
Charming and utterly singular, Barga is a must-see town in Tuscany!
Charming and utterly singular, Barga is a must-see town in Tuscany!
Photo credits
picture 1: Maksim / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: hp schaefer / CC BY 3.0;
picture 3: jim walton / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Maksim / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: hp schaefer / CC BY 3.0;
picture 3: jim walton / CC BY-SA 3.0
