Fosciandora

A VILLAGE DOMINATED BY THE ROCCA DI CESERANA

Fosciandora is a village placed at the border between Tuscany and Emilia, in the province of Lucca. The village has maintained its medieval appearance and is easy to find various fortifications that were built by the Lombards, by the Este family of Ferrara and by Lucca. Fosciandora until 1846 was ruled from the castle of Ceserana, all part of the estate of Countess Matilda.

"Torre di Ceserana", built on the ancient boundary between the properties of the Este family and those of Lucca was an important garrison on the river Serchio in the wars that occurred in 1200 and 1300. The structure was built with stone from the river and includes a walkway and small slits for the defensive. In the period between 1467 and 1474 the fortress underwent important changes to defend themselves from new firearms. In 1500 the castle was abandoned and became a haven for brigands.

Near rocca stands the romanesque "Chiesa di Sant'Andrea" that consists of a semicircular apse made of white stone.

 

 

Traditions and Typical products

The territory of Fosciandora is rich in chestnut trees and woodland products such as mushrooms.

From chestnuts yields a sweet flour that underpins many desserts typical of the area.