Tavernelle – Tower House, Via del Sale and Hiking Trails

Tavernelle is particularly interesting if you would like to combine cultural history and hiking. A fortified tower house dating from 1516, the Taverone and several documented trails towards Apella give the village a clearly recognisable character. In addition, there is a historic town centre whose layout is closely connected with the old Via del Sale route.

Historic Town Centre and Via del Sale

The historic village of Tavernelle stretches along a single street, lined mainly with buildings dating from the 15th century. Arcades, galleries and sandstone structures shape the villagescape. One of the notable buildings is a fortified tower house built by Alfonso Saffi in 1516.

The Church of San Rocco is also part of Tavernelle’s history. It was built by the Antonetti family in the 16th century and rebuilt in 1601. The name Tavernelle probably derives from the numerous taverns that welcomed travellers along the ancient Via del Sale. Tavernelle lies on this route, also known as the Via di Linari, which connects the Val di Magra with the Passo del Lagastrello.

Hiking along the Taverone and to Apella

The Taverone offers a distinct natural side of the village. After about 15 minutes, the river narrows near Tavernelle and forms a beautiful pool. A hike along the Taverone also reveals an old mill and a picturesque stone bridge. This means that, within a short distance, different features take centre stage: water, historic use and a stone structure.

For longer tours, the “Rif. Sarzana – Monte Sillara – Rif. Lagoni” route passes through the Taverone Valley from Tavernelle. It initially climbs through chestnut forests and clearings, then continues upwards through beech forests. Stage 11 of the Lunigiana Trekking route leads from Tavernelle to Comano Castello. Near Tavernelle, it crosses the Taverone and then climbs uphill towards Catognano.

An easy hike leads from Tavernelle to Apella along a simple trail. The trail from Tavernelle to Apella is part of the “Lunigiana Trekking” network and was renamed “Il Sentiero della Resistenza”. The partisan hike “Ièn andà ai monti” also began in the hamlet of Tavernelle, headed towards Apella and passed through Taponecco.

Medieval Market and Chestnut Tradition

At the end of July, the village of Tavernelle comes alive with the medieval market. Another special feature is the Gradile in the centre of the village: As part of an initiative carried out for the second consecutive year, it was put back into operation to collect chestnuts, dry them traditionally and produce chestnut flour. This documented tradition complements the architectural history with an insight into chestnut processing.

Orientation for Your Stay

Tavernelle is about 6 km from Licciana and can be reached via the SP74 del Lagastrello. If you are considering accommodation in Tavernelle, you can view the village as a base for exploring the historic centre, trails along the Taverone and hikes towards Apella. For further location options, you can also look at Pontebosio, Monti, Amola and Apella.

For the overarching travel overview: Licciana-Nardi.