 HILLS |
NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES |
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LINKS |
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USEFUL SITES |
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TELEPHONE BOOK |
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EDITORIAL STAFF |
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PONTREMOLI
"The door and the key" for the control of the connection
between the north and the south of Italy. With these words Federico
II defined Pontremoli, in the centre of the most important communication
roads between Tuscany and the Padana plateau. The strategic position
of Pontremoli signed its destiny as a contended land, first between
the "Comuni", then between the "signorie" until
it was finally incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Today
Pontremoli is an elegant historical town, where you breathe the
fascination of the past with the palaces , scenographic squares
and churches which feature an extraordinary artistic heritage. In
order to enjoy the charm of Pontremoli you only have to take the
narrow streets to the hill of Piagnaro, dominated by the medieval
castle.
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old town, a labyrinth of narrow streets, portals and squares, is integrated
inside the boundary wall, with imposing defensive towers.
In the heart of the old part you find two squares, piazza del Duomo
and Piazza della Repubblica, divided by two towers. These towers are
the only remains of the boundary wall that Castruccio Castracani built
in 1322 to avoid the bloody battles between the "guelphs"
and the "ghibellines", who contended the control of the
town. Today you can see the two towers and in the private houses a
big part of the wall. Visit the Chiesa di Nostra Donna, a great example
of Italian Baroque and the complex of Santissima Annunziata, with
the severe architecture from the 15th century, which is to be found
in the small village with the same name just before Pontremoli. Do
not miss the theatre of Pontremoli from the 18th century, recently
restructured and returned to the town, and the Museo delle Stele,
where you find enigmatic idols in stone sculptured by the populations
in Lunigiana since the Prehistory.
In modern times, Pontremoli has become famous for a unique
activity carried out by its inhabitants: the selling of books, which
has spread its inhabitants all over the peninsula. The literary vocation
is celebrated every year with the important Premio Bancarella (the
Book-stall Award), which is appointed by the book-sellers in July.
But there are other interesting events such as the Bancarella sport
for sport-lovers in September, and the Bancarellino in June for the
child-books. The most unique event in Pontremoli is the fire competition
between the two quarters. An ancient event to celebrate the fire God
when the quarter of San Niccolò lights a fire the 17th of January,
and the quarter of San Geminiano the 31st of January. The fire with
the highest flames wins. In the surroundings of Pontremoli you can
visit the Valle del Verde, plotted with churches and charming villages.
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