Monte dei Bianchi
Situated in a beautiful panoramic position, in Medieval times the walled borgo of
Monte dei Bianchi constituted the religious centre of an anonymous feudal family.
From the ancient monastery of St Michael, mentioned in the most remote lists of
the diocese of Luni, are conserved merely traces of the Roman period. In the same
way remain signs of the ancient castle which stands out on the summit of the hills.
A major monastery of extreme antiquity already existed from 760 A.D. when Ato, son
of the Longobard Eugneio, in his will left part of his wealth to the priest Fratellus
for the construction of such a monastery. Then in 1106, Pope Pasquale 11 sent a
Benedictine monk, Bernardo of the Uberti, who, on meeting with with the grandsons
of Rudolf of Casola and the sons of Bosone, decided to follows their pleas and construct
a monastery dedicated to St Michael. The monastery was rectified by the Canonici
Regolari monks or the White Monks or Rocchexiani. From here originated the name
of the village, Monte dei Bianci. The family who owned this land were called the
White people of the Erberia, originally Longobard subjects. “De Herberia” because
they came from Rubiera in the province of Modena which was once called Herberia.
The monastery enjoyed a certain splendour between the 13th & 16th centuries up until
the disappearance of the family with the start of the rule of the Malaspinas in
Lunigiana.
Al Vecchio Tino
Situated on the edge of the National Park it is possible to enjoy all the resources
that this uncontaminated countryside offers such as guided excursions, trekking,
horse riding. The postion provides a relaxing place to stay with the view of the
Apuan Alps, the peace of the woods and olive groves, the lack of traffic which allows
guests to totally immerse themselves in the tranquility of this wonderful location.
Lovers of art can also enjoy the ease of access to the great Tuscan cities of art,
easily reached by motorway, or in a short time one can reach Versilia, the most
exclusive Riviera of Italy. Vibrant society life, elegance and an exclusive location
where one can pass one’s days.
On your return to Vecchio Tino you will find a relaxing environment in which to
enjoy the tranquility and welcome of the staff , the possibility to relax in rooms
of next door Agriturismo Germalla or make use of the ample space for an overnight
stay in one’s camper van amidst the green verdant countryside. .
