Nights of Archaeology

A cultural series in the heart of Lunigiana

The Nights of Archaeology are one of the most anticipated cultural events of the summer in Aulla, in the province of Massa-Carrara, in the heart of the Tuscan Lunigiana. Organized by the Amici di San Caprasio Association, the series offers a cycle of evening lectures dedicated to archaeology, history, and the heritage of the Apuano territory, hosted in the intimate and evocative setting of the Abbey of San Caprasio cloister, an ancient stop for pilgrims on the Via Francigena.

The 2026 program

The 2026 edition, scheduled from July 5th to 18th, is richer than ever with ten evenings. The opening on Sunday, July 5th, will feature the President of the Tuscany Region, Eugenio Giani, and a talk by Father Luca Franceschini on the commitment of the Italian Church to the service of cultural heritage. National-level guests include:

• Paolo Giulierini with "Mare Nostrum, mystery and wonders, myths and legends of the Mediterranean";
• Stefano Milano on the history of the da Vernazzo family from Clement XIII to Napoleon III;
• a meeting dedicated to the archaeological research activities of the Superintendency;
• Rolando Paganini with a journey through the history of cuisine;
• Enrico Giannichedda with "Archaeology in society, out of the ivory tower";
• Fabio Baroni on the Order of the Templars and historical Lunigiana;
• Mirco Manuguerra on the Malaspina family, their coats of arms, and Dantesque glory;
• Stefano Calabretta on the Pieve of San Lorenzo between Garfagnana and Lunigiana;
• Paolo Carafa with "Excavations in progress at the House of Augustus".

Atmosphere and venue

The lectures are generally held at 9:00 PM under the vaults of the abbey cloister: an intimate and charming context, just a few steps from the tomb of San Caprasio and the museum illustrating monastic life and the passage of Francigena pilgrims. In case of rain, the meetings will move to the adjacent San Caprasio auditorium. Admission is free, confirming the informative and popular vocation of the event.

A deeply rooted local event

Now in its many editions, the series has become a reference point for history and archaeology enthusiasts from all over Tuscany and nearby Liguria. The Nights of Archaeology tell the story of the Lunigiana of stele statues, Malaspina castles, pilgrims, and Romanesque parish churches, contributing to enhancing the historical identity of the Municipality of Aulla and establishing San Caprasio as one of the most vibrant cultural hubs in the Apuano area.