Sunday, March 6, 2011

Sarzana lovely in August - but a delight all year round.

Sarzana has to be one of my favourite towns in the area. The second biggest town in the province after La Spezia itself it has a character all of is own and never ceases to delight. 

Dating from the Roman era, Sarzana is situated at a  strategic location that was a centre of communication at that time near two extremely important ancient roads, the Via Aurelia, and the Via Romea. Home to the Bishops of Luni, it was fortified in the middle ages when a wall was constructed around it. Subsequently it became part of the Republic of Genoa in 1748, then part of the Kingdom of Sardinia, and finally part of the Kingdom of Italy. Sarzana began to flourish during the Renaissance and today has grown into a modern metropolis with the old town at its centre. Sarzana has a number of fine palaces and churches and in addition two fortresses!

Today Sarzana is known for its antiques and in the old centre are numerous antique shops. In addition to this the old town is tranfsormed during august into a veritable bazaar with all the historic centre full of antique stalls selling their wares from six in the evening until around midnight.Something not to be missed.The town has a real buzz.

A visit during an August evening can combine a stroll around the old town , an aperitivo in one of the bars,  window shopping for antiques and a meal in any one of many great restaurants in town. 




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