The best traffic-free bike rides around Castelnuovo Magra

Marinella di Sarzana is located exactly on the regional border between Liguria and Tuscany, marking the easternmost part of the Ligurian territory in contact with the province of Massa-Carrara (in particular with the Tuscan municipality of Carrara). It is the last coastal strip to the east of the municipality of Sarzana and the Liguria region. It borders directly to the southeast with the municipality of Carrara (Marina di Carrara), often separated by small geographical elements or local ditches, as in this case the Parmignola stream, the embankment of which is located at the end of the road.

The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena in Castelnuovo Magra is a must-see for anyone visiting the village. Built on the foundations of a pre-existing structure, its current elegant structure, in late Renaissance and Baroque style, dates back to the 17th century. The church is historically known for housing the "Crucifixion" by Pieter Brueghel the Younger. This masterpiece, which arrived in Castelnuovo Magra in the 19th century, has been at the center of complex conservation issues, including two foiled theft attempts over the years. After careful restoration, the work was transferred to the Museo Lia in La Spezia for conservation and security reasons and is therefore unfortunately no longer visible inside the church.

The Vermentino Multimedia Museum, located in Castelnuovo Magra, offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into this grape variety, a symbol of the region's winemaking. The museum offers an advanced interactive and multimedia experience that transcends regional boundaries to explore the four areas of excellence for Vermentino: Liguria, Sardinia, Tuscany, and Corsica. Through state-of-the-art digital installations, visitors can access detailed information about the DOCs, production methods, and individual wineries. The visit culminates in the area dedicated to the Liguria Regional Wine Shop, where visitors can taste and purchase a selection of labels, transforming the visit into a moment of cultural enrichment and appreciation for local food and wine.

Oratory of the Bianchi (or of the Assumption), Castelnuovo Magra This small church is a characteristic feature of the historic center of Castelnuovo Magra. Identity and Function: It is the historic headquarters of the Confraternity of the Bianchi (or Confraternity of the Assumption). The confraternity was so named because of the white habit or sackcloth its members wore during processions and religious activities. This color symbolized purity and was often associated with Marian devotion. It historically competed (often amicably) with the neighboring Confraternity of the Rossi for charitable and religious works. Architectural Style: The façade, with its yellow-tinted plaster and light-colored decorations, reflects a late Baroque or Rococo style. It features a molded portal surmounted by a curved tympanum. Location: The church is beautifully integrated into the urban fabric, overlooking a narrow cobbled alley, with the stone houses of the village rising on either side, creating a striking contrast between the elegance of the religious façade and the rusticity of the civilian homes.

It definitely requires training

In August 2025, the Via Francigena will not be accessible due to roadworks.

It is one of the most fantastic panoramic points. The place has been equipped as a Picnic Area and from there it extends over the historic village of Fosdinovo, the Gulf of La Spezia, Portovenere and Palmaria, the Cinque Terre, the Piana di Luni and the Bocca di Magra, with a view of the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago and Corsica.

Spectacular road, with views!