Garfagnana Historical Studies Meeting

A landmark event for the history of the Garfagnana

The Garfagnana Historical Studies Meeting is the premier scientific conference dedicated to the history of this mountainous territory in the province of Lucca, Tuscany. Organized by the Deputazione di Storia Patria per le Antiche Provincie Modenesi in collaboration with the Pro Loco of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, the event is held periodically in the heart of the Serchio Valley, bringing together scholars, archivists, university professors, and local history enthusiasts.

The Venue: Rocca Ariostesca

Sessions are traditionally held in the Sala Luigi Suffredini of the Rocca Ariostesca, the ancient Este fortress that dominates the center of Castelnuovo. It takes its name from Ludovico Ariosto, who served as governor of the Garfagnana on behalf of the Este family between 1522 and 1525. It is a symbolic location for a conference that investigates the events linking the valley to the Duchy of Modena and Reggio and the other powers that vied for this stretch of the Apennines.

A unique theme for every edition

What distinguishes this conference is the choice of a specific monographic theme for each edition. Over the years, topics have included the role of Este commissioners like Ludovico Ariosto, the figure of the governor and poet Fulvio Testi, and the relationships and conflicts between the Garfagnana and neighboring territories. The presentations are based on original and unpublished archival research, the result of work by scholars drawing from documentary collections in Modena, Lucca, and local archives.

The 2026 Edition

The 17th edition, scheduled for September 12 and 13, 2026, is dedicated to the theme "The Garfagnana through the centuries: people, families, institutions, and communities." This multidisciplinary approach aims to reconstruct family structures, forms of local power, demographic and community dynamics, and the civil, military, and religious institutions that have shaped Garfagnana social life over the centuries.

Between history and local identity

More than just a closed academic event, the Meeting has become a moment for enhancing the identity of the Garfagnana. It attracts scholars from all over Italy to Castelnuovo and returns the fruits of their research to the community in the form of published conference proceedings. For those visiting the Serchio Valley, it is also an opportunity to discover a village rich in history, nestled between the Apuan Alps and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.