Aulla
Aulla is a town in the Lunigiana area, province of Massa-Carrara, set at the confluence of the Magra river and the Aulella stream
Updated 19 July 2026
This season · July · Summer
What to do in Aulla now
The story
The story of Aulla
Introduction and location
Aulla lies in the north-western part of Tuscany, in the historic area known as Lunigiana, within the province of Massa-Carrara. The town sits at the confluence of the Magra river and the Aulella stream, in a basin surrounded by hills and Apennine ridges that mark the border with Liguria and Emilia-Romagna. This position made it for centuries a mandatory crossing point for travellers moving between the Tyrrhenian coast and the inland Po valley, a role still reflected today in its function as a small service hub for the surrounding valley.
History and origins
Aulla's origins date back to the medieval period, when the settlement grew around an important abbey along the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route linking northern Europe to Rome. In later centuries control of the area passed through various Ligurian and Tuscan lordships, which fortified its strategic position at the river confluence. The town suffered severe destruction during the Second World War and was largely rebuilt afterwards, which is why today's urban fabric combines surviving historic nuclei with a more modern layout, a tangible reminder of this recent chapter of its history.
Nature and landscape
The landscape around Aulla is shaped by the meeting of two waters: the Magra flows wide towards the plain, while the Aulella descends more briskly from the surrounding mountains, creating green vistas enjoyed by walkers and cyclists along the riverbanks. The hills encircling the town are covered with chestnut woods typical of Lunigiana, offering vivid colours in autumn and cool shade in summer. Several small trails climb towards nearby villages, providing panoramic viewpoints over the valley and close contact with a still largely unspoiled rural environment.
Things to do and see
The symbolic landmark of Aulla is the Fortezza della Brunella, an imposing sixteenth-century fortress overlooking the town, which today houses a natural history museum dedicated to the Lunigiana area. In the historic centre, the abbey of San Caprasio is worth a visit, a historic stop along the Via Francigena tied to medieval pilgrimage traditions. Strolling along the banks of the Magra and Aulella reveals bridges and riverside views, while Aulla is also a convenient starting point for excursions to the hill villages of Lunigiana, ideal for combining culture and nature in a single day.
Flavours and traditions
Aulla's cuisine reflects the rural traditions of Lunigiana, a border land between Tuscany, Liguria and Emilia. Chestnut flour takes centre stage, used for desserts and dishes that tell the story of a mountain economy built around woodlands. Local tables often feature testaroli, a type of pasta cooked on cast-iron discs and dressed with pesto or oil, alongside artisan cheeses and cured meats. Village festivals tied to the seasonal cycles of chestnuts and garden produce remain the best chance to taste these genuine flavours in their original setting.
Not to be missed
- The Brunella fortress and the Lunigiana natural history museum
- The San Caprasio abbey, a historic stop on the Via Francigena
- A walk along the confluence of the Magra river and the Aulella stream
- Hikes through the chestnut woods on the surrounding hills
- Tasting testaroli and desserts made with chestnut flour
To see
What to see in Aulla
Routes · Trovido Route
