Ortonovo (La Spezia)

Inhabitants 8.348
Area 13,7 Sq km
Altitude 135 m. asl
A12 motorway exit - Carrara

Ortonovo's territory extends over a region with different characteristics, including both hills and the plain where Luni and other important centres are located. Starting from Roman times with the opening of via Aurelia, through the Middle Ages with the dominion of the bishop of Luni, Ortonovo enjoyed great power over the region, which was also very rich in trade.

Located halfway between Parma and Genoa, Ortonovo was for a long time an important military base and a center for marble export. Its territory is also suitable for cattle breeding and agriculture; in particular, Ortonovo's white wine is much appreciated: already in Roman times Plinio il Vecchio claimed that these are the best wines produced in Etruria (Tuscany). Similarly, the cheese industry is important: in the past Ortonovo was one of the most relevant cheese production centres in Italy.