|
|
| |
Podenzana
and her churches |
|
| |
The
castle of Podenzana is reached by travelling along an
oak-lined road and is situated not far from the Sanctuary of
the Madonna of Gaggio or the Madonna of the Neve. The castle
has a long history, dated centuries, in which it was destroyed
and restored several times. The last reconstruction was undergone
in the 1950s using armoured cement. The use of cement has caused
numerous discussions and criticism on the matter. The castle
is mentioned in the founding document of the Aulla abbey dated
884, but its construction dates back to the beginning of the
6th century. Every year on August 5th a pilgrimage to the castle
takes place, but being private property, it is not open to the
public.
|
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
Not
far from here near the Sarzanese gate, you will find the
San Carlo Oratory. This building conceived to add a masterpiece
of art and beautify this small town which the grand duke
of Florence nicknamed "little Florence". The oratory
was constructed in 1702 by Carlo Vieri, then governor of
Lunigiana. Outside, the impressing baroque portal in stone
will immediately get your attention. Inside, very noteworthy
are the altar and the canvas of the Santissima Annunziata
by the Florence painter Ottavio Dandini and numerous other
wall-painting which decorate the walls.
|
|
|
|
