Piegaio Alto – Camellia Garden, Trails and Local History

Piegaio Alto combines the landscape of the Apuan Alps with a special garden, historical traces and paths through the surrounding area. This gives you a range of different experiences to include in your travel plans: a botanical visit to Il Bosco delle Camelie, a circular route to Pescaglia, a section of the SCL and cultural and historical details relating to the settlement and the Church of San Bartolomeo.

Il Bosco delle Camelie in the Apuan Alps

The Il Bosco delle Camelie garden is located in Piegaio Alto at an altitude of 400 metres and is surrounded by dense chestnut forests. It currently contains 1,200 camellias across approximately 25,000 square metres; 200 varieties of magnolia are also cultivated there. The grounds are divided into 14 beds. The paths and trails are designed for year-round use, making the garden a distinct, clearly defined experience within the village. When visiting Il Bosco delle Camelie, cars and minibuses should be parked in the municipal car park. This requirement is part of the guidance for visitors before their visit and is particularly relevant if you wish to combine a day in the garden with additional trails in Piegaio Alto.

Trails to Piegaio Alto and onward to Pescaglia

Piegaio Alto can also be reached via the SCL. One section of this trail leads downhill from Buriana to Piegaio Alto. The route passes over a staircase and through an arch into the village’s lanes, then continues towards Solcino. The SCL therefore describes not only a connection between named places, but also a specific approach into the lanes of Piegaio Alto. Another described round-trip route leads from Piegaio Alto to Pescaglia through gardens and olive groves, passing the old village of Piazzanello. The hike is rated easy, takes approximately four hours of actual walking time and includes around 300 metres of ascent and descent. For your day planning, this creates a clear distinction between a visit to the Camellia Garden and a longer route through gardens, olive groves and historic villages.

Historic Settlement and Religious Art

Piegaio Alto is listed in the structural plan of the municipality of Pescaglia as a historic settlement on a mid-slope location on the left side of the Pedogna. Its documented history includes the development and morphology of the settlement, as well as historic routes and buildings recorded in the old land register. These details make the structure of the village itself part of its cultural interest, without reducing Piegaio Alto to a single attraction. The Church of San Bartolomeo in Piegaio dates from the 13th century and was rebuilt in the 17th century. Inside is a painting by Simone Carretta dated 1536. It depicts the Madonna and Child together with Saints Bartholomew and John the Baptist. The parish of Piegaio is dedicated to the Apostle Bartholomew; his feast is celebrated on 24 August.

Pumpkin Cuisine and Local Tradition

At the Festa della Zucca in Piegaio, various pumpkin dishes are served. These include fried pumpkin, pasta, lasagne, risottos and desserts. The Festa della Zucca began in 2005; one edition was described as the 17th edition. The pumpkin tradition thus complements the landscape and cultural themes with a regional culinary focus, without requiring a separate change of location. Other places: Gello, Celle, Colognora, Trebbio, San Martino In Freddana, Ansana, Loppeglia, Villa A Roggio.

For the overarching travel overview: Pescaglia.