Visit Sarzana
Sarzana is a town in the Province of La Spezia, situated in the valley of the Magra River. Its geographical position along the famous “Via Francigena”, one of the most important roads towards France, made it, through the centuries, a place much coveted by the Florentines, Genoese, and Pisan.
Sarzana Fortifications
Sarzana is characterized by its fortifications, two castles, the fortress of "Sarzanello", the ancient Bishop's Palace and “Firmafede Fortress”, built by the Pisans when Sarzana was a border town between the Republic of Genoa and the Medici estates. We can still see the essential elements of the powerful defensive system: the Sarzanello Fortress and the Firmafede Fortress.
'Firmafede' is surrounded by a deep moat and consists of a round tower surrounded by a first courtyard, which is accessed through a second courtyard; the volumes that delimit these courtyards are the main quadrangle of the building, bordered at the corners by the four highest towers; on the East side there is a third rectangular courtyard bordered by a curtain wall that is detached from the main body, and in the corners of whch are three lower towers. The upper fortress was called 'Sarzanello' (or Castruccio, after the leader Castruccio Castracani Antelminelli, who lived here from 1314 to 1328). It has a diamond shape, formed by two juxtaposed equilateral triangles; the first, which faces towards the city, is broader and it is protected by three corner towers; the second protects access to the fortress; the two elements are linked by a bridge.
Elsewhere in Sarzana
Also worthy of special mention are the religious buildings, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built between 1204 and 1474 in Romanesque-Gothic style. The façade, in white marble, has a portal with a Gothic rosette, and on the right side, a crenellated bell tower. The cathedral interior is also remarkable, divided into three naves, with coffered wood ceiling. The church preserves important works by Francesco Solimena (1657-1747, one of the most important personalities of the Late Italian Baroque style) and Domenico Fiasella (1589-1669, a painter with a passion for games of shadow and light typical of Caravaggio), whose Annunciation we can admire in the Church, along with various Renaissance sculptures.
Also worth seeing is the cross painted by Maestro Guglielmo (it is a cross painted on wood, dated 1138 and with the signature of Maestro Guglielmo, about who very little is known. The majestic figure of Christ stands perfectly on the bottom of the cross. The symbolism is very strong; the face of Christ is serene, and the eyes are wide open, a symbol of Christ in triumph and alive.
The Parish of St. Andrew is the oldest religious building in Sarzana, dating from the 10th-11th centuries. The façade is decorated with a 16th c.portal and surmounted by an eight-pointed star, known as 'Sidus', the symbol of the Elders of the town of Sarzana. The Church of San Francesco is located on a square just outside the walls. with a semicircular window that illuminates the interior on the facade. Above the portal there is a 17th century lunette from the seventeenth century, representing the 'Virgin and Child'. The plan of the church is a Latin cross. Located in the left transept there is the tomb of the son of Castruccio Castracani, Guarnerio Antelminelli (died 1324). The Oratory of Mercy has a central plan, with a single nave, and four large chapels at the main axes.
The old town of Sarzana is also rich in palaces built by noble families, such as the Neri Palace with the interior halls all frescoed. The garden with the well of the old Convent of Poor Clares is an original architectural element (the palace was built on the site of the convent). Magni Griffi Palace is also a significant example of eighteenth-century classicism (the style preludes the advent of Neoclassicism - the façade has no decorative element, leaving only the geometry of the structure itself.)
The Podestà Lucciardi Palace is an example of neoclassical architecture, designed by Carlo Barbino (19th century) and characterized by a very strong classicism. On the roof, the terrace forms a classical temple. The Picedi – Benettini Palace was built in a late Renaissance Tuscan style - the base is decorated with rusticated iron grates. Also to see near the walls are the Ollandini Villa and Carena Villa.
Sarzana Cuisine
The traditional cuisine of Sarzana includes dishes such as “Paniza”, “Sgabei”, “testaroli”, and “focaccia” with olive oil and salt, sweet cakes, and chestnuts. Cabbages, tomatoes, potatoes, beans, and cakes with vegetables have all been popular for many centuries, while mushrooms are also very important. Worthy of mention among the local main courses are the rabbit stew or fried tripe. Among the fish, try perhaps the cod, salt cod, anchovies and muscles. Local wine has also always held a place of honor in Sarzana, both white and red - among the lighter wines, Vinetta is the most famous.
See also history of Sarzana