The best traffic-free bike rides around Follo

The Citadel, also known as the Sarzana Fortress or Firmafede Fortress, was the first fortification in Sarzana, built in the 13th century. It was owned by the lord Castruccio Castracani, who made numerous significant modifications to its defenses. After its destruction by Florence in 1487, it was rebuilt on the orders of Lorenzo de' Medici. In 1494, the Republic of Genoa, having regained possession of Sarzana, completed work on the Citadel. The fortress is used as a venue for cultural events and exhibitions and also houses the Fortress Museum, an interactive exhibit that traces the history of Sarzana and the Lunigiana region.

Of the five gates that once provided access to the town, Porta Romana and Porta Parma remain on the opposite side. We are on the ancient Via Romea, and today's Via Mazzini is a vestige of it. Its current appearance, clad in white Carrara marble, dates back to 1783; on the exterior is the coat of arms of Genoa and, higher up, a statue of Mary.

The church of San Francesco and the convent of the same name stand in the square just outside the walls of Sarzana. According to tradition, it was Saint Francis himself who founded them upon his visit to the town. The first document attesting to the presence of a Franciscan community above the village dates back to 1238, but it was only towards the end of the 13th century that a larger convent and the current church were built. In the 15th century, the building was expanded with the addition of a dormitory and cloister. Today, the convent is deconsecrated and its premises house the offices of the Sarzana court. (c) https://visitsarzana.it/attrazioni/chiesa-e-convento-san-francesco/

Porta Romana is one of the historic entrances to the center of Sarzana, dating back to the 15th century, once an entry point along the Via Francigena. It preserves the city's identity and is a symbol of continuity between past and present.

The beautiful and imposing marble monument, carved from white Carrara marble from the Apuan Alps, dates back to 1914. It is dedicated to the legendary Giuseppe Garibaldi and is the work of the sculptor and artist Carlo Fontana. Overlooking Piazza Garibaldi (namesake of the great hero of two worlds), founded in the 19th century, is the Impavidi Theatre, built on the initiative of a group of private citizens of Sarzana, on an area previously occupied by the church and the Dominican Convent. The theatre was inaugurated in 1809 and is among the oldest historic theatres in the Liguria region. (c) https://share.google/BfaHC76OuiZolWCMB

You can pass through by bicycle, but be careful, I passed through on 19/07/25 and you have to be careful, it is safe to pass but be careful!

Passo Alpicella is located at 710m above sea level and is part of the 42nd stage of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri. It is located on the watershed ridge between Val di Vara and Valle del Magra, offering open views that on clear days reach the Apuan Alps and the Gulf of Poets.

Stunning views, long but not challenging, refreshments along the way