Villafontanella lies in an part of Northern Italy known as the Garfagnana. This comprises the area north of the city of Lucca crossed by the Serchio river valley, bounded by the Appenines to the North and East, and the Apuan Alps to the West. High rainfall keeps the valleys lush, offering a striking contrast with the surrounding wild and craggy mountains. The scenery is beautiful in every season: if in winter it is at its most spectacular with the snow-clad peaks offering a breath-taking sight, in early summer it suddenly bursts into bloom. We then find blue gentians, white jonquils, creamy asphodels and scarlet peonies: every corner is like a naïve painting, splashes of colour enlivening the pastel green of the pastures. There are tangible traces everywhere of the relentless and unchangeable work of the forces of nature, such as the fascinating and awe-inspiring canyon, the Orrido of Botri: a deep calcareous gully carved by the waters of the Rio Pelago. A wide variety of outdoor activities may be practised here, hiking, walking and mountain biking, as well as climbing, caving, canyoning and rafting.
The most important towns are Castelnuovo Garfagnana, home in the 16th century to Renaissance poet Ludovico Ariosto, author of Orlando Furioso, and Barga, an enchanting and lively spot, hosting numerous cultural events in the summer, including a jazz festival. The thermal spa town of Bagni di Lucca, spread along the meanders of the river Lima, became renowned in the 19th century as a fashionable resort for the wealthy and artistic of Europe. It houses Europe's first ever casino and was the first town to be provided with electric lighting. Famous past residents include Byron, Shelley and the Brownings.
The beautiful city of Lucca is just 45 minutes away by car. The only old city in Italy to retain its circling walls completely undamaged, its many piazzas, large and small, connected by narrow streets and alleys, make for an enchanting experience. Known as the city of the hundred churches, which it really does possess, the range of historic architecture from the Roman amphitheatre, to Medieval and Renaissance palaces, to the Art Nouveau shop facades, is a treat for the eyes.
True to their pride in their home of Lucca, for centuries immensely prosperous and a Republic until 1848, the Lucchesi continue to date to invent themes through which to attract visitors. Throughout the year interesting cultural and commercial events are organised there, from the historical and traditional, to the lively and fantastic Lucca Comix, the second largest festival of its kind in the world, bringing freshness and vitality to this compact city of such ancient origins.
Although the Garfagnana is a land of mountains, in a mere hour by car the beautiful Versilia coast can be reached. From Marina di Pisa to Marina di Massa, this stretch of coast offers a range of beaches from the wild unspoilt Migliarino and Lecciona, to the sophisticated and cosmopolitan Forte dei Marmi.