The little towns around Aulla are beautiful examples of well preserved centres of the Lunigiana. While Aulla lost all of its monuments during World War II, these surrounding villages remained unscathed; as a consequence, they still witness the artistic beauty and grace reached by these regions in old times. Scattered in the middle of green intact areas, these little towns bring the visitor back to the times where castles, hamlets and churches were the only traces of human presence in the region. For those interested in the environment, these green hills offer long, excellent hikes.

Caprigliola
Located on the hills surrounding Aulla, Caprigliola is one of the most interesting and well preserved medieval towns of the Val di Magra. Throughout the centuries the city was enriched by its different masters; the city walls were built starting from 1558 by the Medici family, according to the highest standards for military architecture. The town developed on the slope of a hill and is dominated by a cylindrical tower.

The architecture of the tower is unique in the Lunigiana: it is characterised by three orders of columns, one on the top of the other. This 20-meter (65ft) tower was erected in XIII century for military purposes; later it was also used as a bell tower for the nearby church of San Niccolò, built in XVII century over the ancient bishop palace.

Bibola
Bibola, located on the hills surrounding Aulla, is another intact little town of the Val di Magra, whose history can be read trough the village's old buildings. Bibola's main door features a peculiar gallery on the top; built for military purposes, it also probably served as a meeting point and marketplace. Just like other villages in the valle, Bibola developed on a hill; here, however, houses are smaller than in other towns, and it is quite striking how some falling buildings are next to newly restored ones.

The view from the castle is just stunning: it stretches from the Val di Magra, to the Apuane and the Apennines. The fortress was restored and modified many times throughout the centuries, and the present structure dates from the XIV century. The walls are about 8 meters (26ft) high, strengthened by three circular towers; the whole structure once extended over two levels.