HK Independent Traveller Blog

  Dominated by huge fortresses and the oldest painted wooden cross in Italy, Sarzana is however overlooked by tourists visiting Cinque Terre or Tuscany. It is an important agricultural and commercial centre with an old town that’s full of character.   Dated back to the 11 th century, Sarzana was built by people escaping the nearby marshes growing around the old Roman town of Luni . Its ownership was fought between Pisa, Luca and Florence until it was taken by Genoa in 1572. On 25 th April 2024, the Liberation Day *, we visited the historical town, Sarzana . We first went to the Porta Romana to explore the way to Fortezza di Sarzanello . The gate is made with Carrara’s white marble by the end of 18 th century. One can ascend to the top to have superb views of the surroundings. Nearby is a popular café, Baci di Dama . We enjoyed the coffee and cakes at the tea time. *It marks a significant moment in the country’s history. This day commemorates the end of the Nazi occupat...

  The Pellegrini-Ansaldi Botanical Garden is a delightful mountain botanical garden, located in Pian della Fioba area near Massa . The about 3-hectare area hosts many endemic species typical of limestone areas and several examples of flora typical of siliceous peaks. They are rare plants and shrubs typical of the flora of the Apuan Alps that are protected and reproduced here. Apart from the plants, visitors can have amazing views of the Apuan mountain ranges , marble mine and the green surroundings. The Botanical Garden in Pian della Fioba is at an altitude of about 900 m. The narrow road there is numerous zig-zag. It’s exciting to go up and the drive demands extreme attention to avoid crash with cars running the opposite way. At time, gangs of motorcycles flashed past. The biggest gang consisted of over 40 motorcycles. When we approached the Botanical Garden , it was a complete tranquil green environment.  The Botanical Garden is dedicated to the doctor and botanist...