An old photograph of Porta Mancianella at the entrance to the Fosso, showing the old well, and in the background, the monument to Pietro Tallinucci.

Luckily however, once inside the walls, you will find that there have been only a few changes over the years, and these only in minor details. In fact, the old part of the town remains mainly intact, and is a living testimony to its natural beauty and its past, which is rich in history, culture and art.

Above the Porta Mancianella is the observation tower, one of the remaining features of the ancient medieval wall. The gate itself opens onto a small space leading immediately to the three streets which take you into the centre of the town. To the left, Via di Solco; almost straight ahead, Via di Mezzo; to the right, Via del Pretorio.

As you pass down these narrow winding streets which penetrate the urban network you can recapture the feeling of times past. But walk slowly, on foot. Forget the frenetic pace of life today and enter into the spirit of another world, a world that no longer exists but which, with imagination, can become very real.

Accommodation in Barga By popular request: the list of hotels in Barga, plus, links to houses and apartments to rent or buy in Barga

Giovanni Pascoli 1855-1912 I Canti di Castelvecchio - complete text (In Italiano)

Osteria Angelio peek in at the people eating in the osteria . What does a plate of farro look like ? The Osteria Web Cam reveals all. ( in English, Italiano)

Low Resolution Poetry
Tiziana Fontana is the only artist in Barga using this almost invisble form of poetry ( In Italiano )

2001 winner: SURPRISE "OUTSIDER" WINS