The stage is flat and runs mainly along paved roads that traverse fields and hills covered with rows of crops, gradually leading to the sea. The air becomes salty, a prelude to your arrival in Luni, an ancient Roman port and an important archaeological site where pilgrims once embarked for Santiago de Compostela.

Continuing on, the path reaches the village of Avenza, dominated by the Tower of Castruccio, an imposing medieval landmark. Views open up to the Apuan Alps and the sea, accompanying walkers all the way to Massa. Here, in the historic center, the Malaspina Castle dominates from above, providing striking glimpses toward the Tyrrhenian Sea, while the Ducal Palace—the color of Rosso Cybeo, a local red wine—stands out among the trees in Piazza Aranci.

The stage ends in Piazza Duomo, where the Cathedral dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Francis enchants with its marble façade and precious works of art, such as a Madonna and Child by Pinturicchio, frescoes, paintings and sculptures that narrate centuries of devotion and religious tradition.

Three refreshment points are intercepted along the way, in Caniparola, Mani di Ferro and Avenza, where water supplies are available.

A village of medieval origin located at the foot of the Apuan Alps, Avenza fascinates with its historical and architectural heritage. The view from the main piazza, with the mountains silhouetted in the background, offers a natural spectacle that makes the small town truly striking.

Avenza, which falls under the municipality of Carrara, is best known for the remains of the Tower of Castruccio Castracani, one of the most relevant relics of medieval times. The cylindrical-shaped tower has risen up in the heart of the village since about 1320. It was built for military purposes but was also used as a prison and today still bears the marks of World War II bombings.

The name Avenza may derive from the term “avanzo” (meaning, among other definitions, “advancement”) to indicate this place as a satellite city of Luni. Indeed, its evolution is intertwined precisely with the decline of the nearby Roman colony. Or, if we refer to its old place names (Laventia or Lavenza), we find a link to the word “acqua” (“water”), as suggested by the Indo-European root lav. The reason may be its proximity to the Parmignola and Lavello creeks.

Perched on a rocky hill overlooking the town, the Malaspina Castle is one of Massa’s main attractions and a symbol of the power of the family that built it. Of medieval origin, it was expanded and transformed over the centuries, becoming a fortified residence of great strategic importance. Its privileged location allows you to admire enchanting views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Apuan Alps and the city at its foot.

Inside, appreciate the ancient halls, courtyards and prisons. The fortress is distinguished by three main sections: the 14ᵗʰ-century keep, the residential palace of the marquises and the city wall, equipped with embrasures and bastions. The well-fortified entrance includes a barbican with loopholes and an original drawbridge. The walkways and artillery embrasures, built above the crenellated curtain wall, along with the 17ᵗʰ-century ramparts, testify to the defensive evolution of the Castle.

Located in one of the most important buildings in the city’s historic center commissioned by Alberico I Cybo-Malaspina, the Diocesan Museum of Massa holds a precious heritage of sacred art and religious history. Inside are works of art from churches in the diocese such as an altarpiece by Bernardino del Castelletto, a statue of Saint Leonard by Jacopo della Quercia and a cross made by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Each piece tells stories of faith, devotion and art, representing a significant cross-section of local culture. 

Of particular interest is the section devoted to the history of the Massa Cathedral and its treasures, providing insight into the artistic and architectural evolution of the city. Among the exhibits are the statue-reliquary made in 1685 by silversmith Giovanni Vambré from Lucca, the stationary cross most likely made by Ferdinando Tacca, and the episcopal insignia belonging to the early bishops.

The central and lively hub of the city of Massa, Piazza Aranci (Orange Square) is a scenic space, framed by the striking orange trees from which the Piazza takes its name and which were planted in the early 19ᵗʰ century. At that time, sweet citrus trees were planted, with strict rules to prevent theft by passersby. Later, bitter-fruited orange trees, being more resistant to the cold and less palatable, were planted. In the center stands a monumental circular fountain, adorned with four lions, flanked by an obelisk dating from 1853. 

Dominated by the Palazzo Ducale, this square represents the meeting point of history, art and city life. The Palazzo Ducale, with its unmistakable red façade, was the residence of the Cybo-Malaspina clan, one of the most influential families in the area. Inside, frescoed rooms and architectural details testify to the refinement and power of the ducal court. Piazza Aranci is now a lively place, home to cultural events, markets and demonstrations, rendering it the social heart of the city.

The Santi Pietro e Francesco Cathedral, as the spiritual and cultural heart of Massa, is a majestic testimony of faith and art. The bright façade of fine white marble, rebuilt in 1936 according to a design by Cesario Fellini, contains mosaics in its loggia depicting episodes from the lives of Saint Francis and Saint Peter the Apostle. 

The Baroque style of the interior, in addition to the high altar, houses as many as six altars distributed equally on the left and right wings, along with fine works of art such as the wooden Crucifix made by the Maestro di Camaiore in the 14ᵗʰ century and the Madonna and Child by Pinturicchio. In the underground levels of the church, rather, is the Cybo-Malaspina sepulcher, holding the urns of the ancient lords of Massa.