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"Barga
in the Valley of the Serchio - a distinguished well-populated
town, blessed by nature and by art, capital of the Grand Duchy
of the Garfagnana, belonging to the bishopric and municipality
of the Diocese of Pisa, formerly of Lucca, District of Pisa".
This
was the entry for Barga in the "Historical and Geographical
History of Tuscany", which was published in 1833 and written
by Emanuele Repetti from Carrara, the scientist, historian and distinguished
member of the Academy of Agrarian Economics and Rural Life.
Today
the Grand Duchy of the Garfagnana no longer exists, nor is Barga
any longer a capital in any institutional sense, although the population,
certainly, has grown. What does remain, however, is the distinctiveness
of the town and its surroundings. It is still blessed by its beautiful
setting, its works of art and the undeniable fascination of its
historic centre which has preserved the original urban plan. Also
remaining are the warmth and kindness of the people of Barga towards
those who visit it for the first time. Indeed the attitude of the
Barghigiani towards visitors is quite open and friendly and you
are more likely to find 'bad feelings' between fellow townspeople
than any towards an 'outsider'.
The
culture, or rather the spirit or soul of the Barghigiani carries
the indelible imprimature of Florence: this distinctive and ennobling
association of Barga with Florence came as a result not only of
political dependence but also of a civil, cultural and artistic
integration. More than five centuries of common interest (1341-1859)
could not but leave a deep and longlasting influence.
This
short guide cannot, nor does it, purport to be the complete introduction
to a place that is so rich in history. It is intended rather as
a modest offering to those wishing to pay a visit Barga, either
real or virtual. The aim has been to capture, as much in the images
as in the words, the most significant and interesting aspects of
its social, cultural and artistic heritage, and with the help of
these pages you will be able to navigate in and about the historic
centre.
At
the outset of the third millennium we find ourselves in a place
still capable of arousing admiration and enthusiasm for the unspoilt
beauty of its natural setting and surroundings, and for its historical
buildings and monuments.
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SURPRISE "OUTSIDER" WINS
