Val di Vara

It is a long green chasm in the earth, converging with smaller secondary valleys. Throughout the valley, ancient villages and medieval hamlets hidden in forests or clinging to cliffs can be seen.
The Vara River runs along the valley floor for 60 kilometres. It runs fast at its source on Monte Gottero, but slows down as it nears its entrance to the Magra River.
Val di Vara farms produce organic milk, cheese and meats. High tech wind mills create clean energy for the valley. Today thanks to the high environmental and agricultural standards found in the Val di Vara, a seal of quality has been awarded to the area by the Province of La Spezia
The Val di Vara is a little world in itself. It is a land where nature is still an uncontaminated reality. The villages seem to have blended in time with the elements of the earth: the wood of the forests; the slate slabs and the quarry stones. It is possible to admire this fusion in the porticos of Rocchetta Vara.
This valley is rich in footpaths for hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers. These footpaths connect the “Alta Via dei Monti Liguri,” an ancient Ligurian way, to the coastal area of the Cinque Terre.
It is possible to go hunting, fishing, kayaking, rafting and canyoning in the Val di Vara. In the town of Sesta Godano there is a national kayak rally every winter.
Varese Ligure is the largest and most populated town in the area. It is considered to be the capital of the upper Val di Vara. Varese Ligure is surrounded by a circuit of little villages and hamlets, with a circumference of about 14 thousand hectares. It is the most inland town of the valley. Varese Ligure was once an ancient medieval trade town. It has an unusual circular design and for this reason, the historical centre is called “Borgo Rotondo.” Varese Ligure is rich in history, architecture, art and culture. The 15th century Fieschi Castle, with its high “Piccino” tower, is named after the commander who built it. The Church of Saints Filippo Neri and Teresa D’Avila with its elegant 18th century façade and its twin bell towers is considered a jewel. The Church of San Giovanni Battista is also of interest and the medieval bridge, “Ponte Grecino” mustn’t be missed.

The town of Brugnato is located where the Gravegnola and Chicciola streams meet the Vara River. It is set on a plain and surrounded by hills, which are covered with pine, acacia and chestnut trees.
Brugnato is one of the most important centres of the Val di Vara because of its historical traditions and its monuments. The town was already called “città” (city) in 999 A.D. It was built around an ancient Benedictine Abbey at the end of the 7th century and was an independent Bishop’s Seat.
The historic centre has a unique plan. It is laid out like pincers, which grip the double nave parish church. The Cathedral, which dates from the 11th century, was named after the Saints: Pietro, Lorenzo and Colombano. The Bishop’s Palace, which has been the Bishop’s residence since 1133, is located in front of the Cathedral. The Diocese Museum is inside the Bishop’s Palace. It is divided into two parts, the archaeological and the religious sections. 

It is possible to taste organic food and wine in the Val di Vara. For those who love a relaxing and quiet vacation between the mountains and the sea, farm houses, bed and breakfasts and family run small hotels offer ideal places to stay.