Page 134 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italian Riviera

132  THE IT ALIAN RIVIER A AREA B Y AREA

l Sarzana

This lively agricultural and commercial town has a splendid
historic centre which has remained almost intact, despite
being bombed during World War II. Built by the River Magra
and on the Via Francigena, the main land route between Rome
and northern Europe, Sarzana was of strategic importance
both under the Romans and in the Middle Ages. It is no
surprise that such a desirable town was fought over at length
by its most powerful neighbours, including Pisa and Florence, Church of Sant’Andrea
until in 1572 the town became a stable possession (and This ancient Romanesque church
the easternmost outpost) of the Republic of Genoa. has a plain stone façade with an
unusual 16th-century door
A sophisticated town, Sarzana has a famous decorated with caryatids.
antiques market and great shops.

V I A B O N A P A R T E
PIA ZZ A V I A M A S C A R D I
M A T TEO T TI V I A F I A S E L L A

V I A M A Z Z I N I
V I A R O S S I
PIA ZZ A
C AL ANDRINI

PIA ZZ A
V I A D E I G I A R D I N I
NIC OL Ò

Piazza Matteotti, with its distinctively tapered corner

. Cathedral
The cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, begun in 1204 after the
transfer of the bishopric from Luni to Sarzana, was completed in
the 15th century and modified in the 17th century. The
14th-century door, the finely carved marble rose window and
the bell tower are all enchanting. Inside are two marble
altarpieces (mid-1400s) by Leonardo Riccomanni.
For hotels and restaurants in this area see pp181–2 and pp191–4

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