Vagli Sotto
Vagli Sotto is a small municipality in the Garfagnana area, in the province of Lucca, set among the peaks of the Apuan Alps
Updated 21 July 2026
This season · July · Summer
What to do in Vagli Sotto now
The story
The story of Vagli Sotto
Introduction and location
Vagli Sotto lies in upper Garfagnana, an inland area of the province of Lucca squeezed between the Apuan Alps and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. The mainly mountainous municipal territory includes the main village and a few hamlets scattered across the slopes, among them Vagli Sopra and Roggio. Its distance from major urban centres and the shape of the surrounding valleys have allowed the village to keep a quiet, rural character, appreciated by travellers seeking tourism away from the crowds while still being well connected to the road network linking Garfagnana to Lucca and Versilia.
History and origins
Like many settlements in Garfagnana, Vagli Sotto has medieval roots in communities that grew along the mountain slopes, tied for centuries to sheep farming, subsistence agriculture and woodland resources. The area's more recent history was profoundly shaped in the mid-twentieth century by the construction of a large artificial reservoir for hydroelectric power, which flooded part of the valley below. This intervention permanently changed the local landscape, creating the lake that today stands as the territory's symbol and has influenced the economy and daily life of the surrounding communities.
Nature and landscape
The landscape of Vagli Sotto is dominated by the peaks of the Apuan Alps, a mountain range known for its limestone cliffs, marble and biodiversity, which led to the creation of the Apuan Alps Regional Park. The large artificial lake, its blue-green waters set among the woods, offers striking views and a cooler microclimate than the surrounding lowlands. Chestnut, beech and conifer woods cover the slopes, alternating with high-altitude pastures and streams that run steeply down towards the valley floor, forming a natural environment that remains largely unspoiled.
What to do and see
The historic centre of Vagli Sotto retains stone houses, narrow lanes and the village's parish church, a landmark for residents of the nearby hamlets. The main attraction, however, remains the lake, which can be admired from several panoramic points along the ridge roads or explored on foot along paths that follow its shores. For hiking enthusiasts, the municipal territory is a starting point for excursions towards the peaks of the Apuan Alps, with routes of varying difficulty suited both to experienced walkers and to those looking for gentler strolls through woods and small hamlets.
Flavours and traditions
The cuisine of Vagli Sotto reflects that typical of Garfagnana, a land of simple, genuine mountain produce. Farro (spelt), grown in the nearby valleys, is the star of soups and stews; chestnuts, dried and ground into flour, are used for bread, neccis and traditional sweets; porcini mushrooms gathered in the woods enrich autumn first and second courses. Locally produced pecorino cheeses and mountain honey are also part of the table, testament to a still-strong bond between the community and the surrounding agricultural and forest land.
Not to be missed
- The artificial Lago di Vagli, with its scenic viewpoints and lakeside trails
- The historic village centre, with its stone houses and traditional lanes
- Hikes towards the peaks of the Apuan Alps Regional Park
- The chestnut and beech woods surrounding the municipal territory
- The typical products of Garfagnana: farro, chestnuts, porcini mushrooms and pecorino cheese
To see
What to see in Vagli Sotto
Routes · Trovido Route
