Piazza al Serchio

Piazza al Serchio is a small municipality in the province of Lucca, Tuscany, set in the Serchio valley at the heart of the Garfagnana area. This mountainous territory, flanked by the Apuan Alps and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, offers an unspoilt natural setting of forests, rivers and traditional stone villages. The region is known for its local produce, particularly Garfagnana PGI spelt (farro) and chestnuts, both staples of the local cuisine. The village serves as a popular starting point for hiking, with numerous trails leading to the surrounding peaks and neighbouring hamlets such as Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, the valley's main town. The mountain climate brings mild summers and colder winters, making it suitable for outdoor pursuits throughout the year. Nature lovers appreciate the peaceful surroundings, well away from the tourist crowds of Tuscany's larger cities, along with the chance to discover a still-authentic rural heritage of isolated chapels, old stone bridges and the mid-mountain landscapes typical of the Tuscan Apennines.