Molazzana: Trails in the Apuan Alps

Molazzana is a destination for you if you would like to discover a landscape of clear contrasts: the municipality stretches from the right bank of the Serchio to the peaks of the Apuan Alps. This character is particularly impressive on the trails around Piglionico, which lead to Pania della Croce and the Enrico Rossi Refuge. At the same time, wine and olive growing, chestnut and beech forests, as well as cultural and historical topics are part of the area's diversity.

Two trails starting from Piglionico

CAI Trail No. 7 begins at Piglionico in the heart of the municipality of Molazzana. Its destination is the Enrico Rossi Refuge and Pania della Croce, one of the most distinctive peaks of the Apuan Alps. The well-marked and signposted trail leads through cool forests, across steep slopes and along old stone steps. It therefore offers a clearly structured mountain landscape in which forest, rocky sections and the summit area follow one another. CAI Trail No. 127 offers a different experience. It also begins at Piglionico, initially follows Trail No. 7 and then branches off towards Mosceta. The trail runs along a mountain slope through shady forests and beside extensive scree fields. Along the way, views open up over Pania della Croce, Monte Sumbra and the surrounding peaks. If, when hiking, you are looking for changing landscapes in addition to the route itself, this trail clearly differs from the direct course of Trail No. 7. Several CAI trails branch off from Alpe di Sant’Antonio towards the Enrico Rossi Refuge. This provides various documented starting points and trail connections in the vicinity of the same mountain destination for planning your day, without restricting the landscape to a single route.

From vineyards to the peaks

The municipality of Molazzana stretches from the right bank of the Serchio River to Pania della Croce at 1,859 m, Pania Secca and Pizzo delle Saette. This area includes vineyards and olive groves as well as chestnut and beech forests. Above them rise the limestone bastions of the Apuan Alps. In June, these bastions are adorned with impressive blossoms, giving the mountain landscape a special seasonal character. When choosing your accommodation in Molazzana, it is therefore particularly interesting to consider which focus should define your days: the trails around Piglionico, the landscape between the Serchio and the Apuan Alps, or the cultural and historical themes of the Garfagnana.

Regional specialty and the history of the Garfagnana

Local cuisine is also represented by a specific name. The Criscioletta from Cascio is listed in Italy's national register of traditional agri-food products. It is therefore one of the documented regional products that complement the area's culinary character. Another highlight is the Museo Linea Gotica Garfagnana. It was established by the Comitato Linea Gotica Garfagnana in the former Don Bosco primary school in Molazzana. The documented collection includes military equipment and supplies of the armies involved, as well as documents, photographs, maps and testimonies concerning the conflict in the Garfagnana. This historical connection complements the nature and hiking themes with a look at the region's past. As an additional choice of location, you can also include Sassi. For further orientation, Massarosa, Verciano, Renaio, Villa Collemandina, Castelnuovo Di Garfagnana, Vallico di Sotto and Careggine are also available as options.

For the overarching travel overview: Lucca.