Pontremoli Barocca

Pontremoli Barocca: The Golden Age of Upper Lunigiana

Pontremoli Barocca is an annual spring event that transforms the village of Pontremoli, in the province of Massa-Carrara, into a grand theatrical stage dedicated to the Baroque artistic heritage. For one full weekend, visitors gain exclusive access to historic residences, palaces, churches, oratories, and gardens that are typically closed or difficult to visit. It is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in what art historians call the Pontremoli Golden Age, spanning the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Baroque of Pontremoli, an Art Capital in Lunigiana

Between the 1600s and 1700s, Pontremoli experienced an extraordinary artistic flowering, where central Italian Baroque style blended with the 'quadraturismo' of the Po Valley. Frescoes, stuccoes, paintings, and architecture transformed this Lunigiana town into a significant art hub along the ancient Via Francigena. Pontremoli Barocca was created to share this legacy with the public, highlighting treasures preserved by local families, institutions, and organizations.

Country Villas

The first day, the Grand Saturday of the Villas, is dedicated to the stately homes nestled in the countryside around Pontremoli and Mulazzo. Featured locations typically include Villa Dosi Delfini, Villa Pavesi Ruschi in Teglia di Mulazzo, and Villa Pavesi Negri Baldini with its evocative Giardino dei Riccioli in Scorano. Tours run continuously with a guide, while cycling enthusiasts can join an e-bike tour through the villas along the Via Francigena.

Palaces, Churches, and Treasures of the Historic Center

The second day brings visitors into the heart of the historic center, where numerous symbols of the Pontremoli Baroque open their doors:

• Palazzo Dosi Magnavacca, a jewel of 18th-century architecture
• Palazzo Pavesi-Ruschi Noceti
• Palazzo Zucchi Castellini – Ca' di Piazza
• Palazzo Vescovile, including access to the Diocesan Museum
• Church of San Giacomo d'Altopascio
• Oratory of Nostra Donna
• Convent of San Francesco, featuring the Ancient Library

These are complemented by special visits, such as the Antica Farmacia Buttini and Palazzo Petrucci, plus discounted entry to the Museum of Lunigiana Stele Statues at the Castello del Piagnaro.

Baroque Music

Alongside the tours, Pontremoli Barocca offers concerts and side events that recreate the atmosphere of the era. Period music resonates in the village's churches and oratories, featuring vocal groups, Baroque ensembles, and local musical talents, including performers associated with the G. Puccini Conservatory of La Spezia.

A Widespread Event in the Lunigiana Village

Promoted by Sigeric – Servizi per il Turismo and the responsible tourism association Farfalle in Cammino, with the patronage of the Municipalities of Pontremoli and Mulazzo, the event is a journey through the history, art, and landscape of upper Lunigiana. It is a perfect formula for those seeking a weekend away from mass tourism, discovering hidden masterpieces and timeless atmospheres.