The Tiglio Road

 

The Tiglio Road

The winding road that leads to and from the small village of Tiglio, has been plied for at least 1000 years, by farmers, travelers, and pilgrims. According to church archives dating to 983 and 984, Tiglio was registered as part of the property of the Pieve of Loppia, which also included, Renaio and Pegnana. 

Its ancient church of S. Giusto, at the top of the mountain overlooking Barga and the Serchio River Valley, was originally a castle fortress. For more that 25 years in the early to mid 14th century, it was fought over in a tug of war between Barga and the Lucca families of Castruccio Castracani and Antelminelli, and finally in 1354, it was restored to Barga through the intervention of Florence, which marks the village’s strategic importance in the history of Barga.  A pair of elegant marble statues of The Annunciation behind the altar attest to its importance as a pilgrimage destination in the 14th Century.  

Today the Tiglio Road is well paved and rapidly driven by the farmers and families who live in the villages of Renaio, Pegnana, and Tiglio, and it is a through back road to Piastroso and Coreglia. It’s a lovely walking route exposing heartrendingly beautiful views over Barga and the western coastal range of the Apuan Alps. 

Tiglio may be named for the Linden tree. The road leading in and out of Barga, as all roads, from Largo Roma, is flanked with their stateliness. In June the miniature chandelier shaped blossoms perfume the air for miles with their intoxicating scent, and its lush broad heart-shaped leaves provide cool shade in the hottest of the summer months.