Together with a guide discover an unknown territory, where stone houses and vast forests overlook the ancient village of Colonnata. Stopping at the top to admire the view, you will head down towards the valley 

and arrive at the abandoned village of Vergheto, which offers an amazing view of the highest peaks of the Apuan Alps, such as the Tambura, the Horse, and the Sagro. 

The descent to Colonnata will be done along an ancient path that leads to the chestnut woods, still exploited for timber and for their fruit. Upon arrival in the village there is time for a short visit to the monuments and the most characteristic buildings before relaxing and sampling the delicious “lardo” of local producers. 

This cured pig is an ancient food, full of proteins and fats, once eaten by the people who laboured in the nearby quarry.  Made out of the fat of pig’s shoulder and neck, pieces of lard are placed inside large rectangular boxes of carrara marble and covered with sea salt and aromatic herbs (rosmarine, laurel oak, garlic and local herbs) and spices (pepper, cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg and cloves). The case is then closed for the next six months.

The Sagra del Lardo is held in late August (23-26 Aug in 2018) in Colonnata, a village of 350 residents who  from 2004 have the IGP guarantee, which limits the production of the Lardo to Colonnata and preserves its high quality.

The excursion is considered appropriate for experienced hikers due to the length of the path, the rocky bottom in the first part and the height difference (about 430m), which require experience in walking uphill.

See what Carrara hiking excursion work best for you, and to comfortably reach this area, consider staying on one of our Garfagnana and the Apuan Alps properties.