Mulazzo

In the heart of Tuscany, amidst green valleys and the blue sky, stands the village of Mulazzo. This Italian municipality of almost 2,500 inhabitants is located in the province of Massa and Carrara and is part of the historical territory of Lunigiana. Exploring its streets, you can breathe the air of an ancient history, made of men and women who built their existence by climbing the lush slopes of the hills, defending themselves from invasions, and living the harsh rural life. Dating back to Roman times, Mulazzo was an important stop on the ancient trade routes between the Mediterranean and northern Europe. During the Middle Ages, it became the main residence of the Malaspina lords, a feudal dynasty of great importance in the region. The presence of this noble family has left a deep imprint on the municipality, influencing the local imagination to this day. The Malaspina Castle, which overlooks the municipality from the top of the hill of the same name, is a testament to this. The territory of Mulazzo covers an area of 69.4 km², between the hilly area of the Apuan Alps and the upper valley of the Magra River, which runs through the village. Walking along the riverbanks, immersed in the greenery of the Mediterranean scrub, on the paths that wind through the hills, is an experience that remains etched in the heart. The natural landscape alternates with the agricultural one, made up of vineyards, olive groves, and orchards, a testament to the agricultural vocation of the area. The appearance of the municipality is picturesque, with rustic stone houses nestled on the green slopes, dirt roads that seem to lead back in time, and small squares where the inhabitants gather to chat. Mulazzo still maintains a slow and authentic pace of life, offering relief from the noise of modern life. From a cultural perspective, Mulazzo can boast of being the hometown of Dante Alighieri, as indicated by some historical sources that point to it as the birthplace of the poet's family. This connection with one of the greatest figures in Italian literature is a source of pride for the inhabitants and adds a touch of charm to the local history. The Tuscan municipality is organized into five hamlets: Castagnetoli, Groppoli, Mulazzo, Pozzo, and Tellaro. Each of these has its own particular character, given by the perched houses, Romanesque churches, and frescoes that decorate them, making the panorama offered to visitors unique. Surrounded by the Apuan mountains to the north and the sea of Versilia to the south, Mulazzo offers a temperate climate, with cool summers and cold winters but never excessively harsh. Being located in the inland area of Tuscany, the rainfall is often higher than in coastal areas, offering extensive stretches of lush vegetation. Overall, Mulazzo is a wonderful destination for anyone wishing to discover a more authentic and hidden part of Tuscany, away from mass tourism, where history, culture, and landscape come together to create a charming glimpse of Italy.

ISTAT code: 045012

Available Opportunities

Neighboring municipalities

Calice al Cornoviglio, Filattiera, Mulazzo, Pontremoli, Rocchetta di Vara, Tresana, Villafranca in Lunigiana, Zeri

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Companies, Institutions and Points of Interest in the municipality of Mulazzo:

In the heart of the green Tuscany, enriched by rolling hills and lush forests, lies the territory of the municipality of Mulazzo: a land of ancient traditions, history, and entrepreneurship. Its riches are not only characterized by the natural beauty that surrounds it, but also by a vibrant entrepreneurial fabric, made up of tenacious and dynamic local businesses. The economic scenario of Mulazzo is mainly based on two fundamental pillars: agriculture and craftsmanship. As a reflection of the abundance of products that the generous land provides, a wide range of plants are cultivated in the area, including vineyards, olive groves, and orchards. From here come excellent wines and olive oils, as well as a variety of fragrant and tasty fresh fruits, often used in the preparation of delicious jams. Among the local businesses attentive to these riches, the wineries stand out, which are committed to enhancing native grape varieties, producing valuable labels, and the olive growers, who extract an extra virgin olive oil with unique organoleptic properties. The latter manages to give dishes a note of freshness and delicacy, appreciated not only by the most demanding palates, but also by the many tourists who come every year to discover the authentic flavors of this corner of Tuscany. Equally important is the presence of fruit growers who, with passion and dedication, cultivate a variety of seasonal fruits, which are then transformed into homemade sweet jams. Among the most particular productions, the sour cherries stand out, cherries with a sour-spicy taste, used to prepare a traditional jam highly appreciated. In addition to the agricultural sector, another sector of great relevance in the local economy is craftsmanship. Mulazzo, in fact, is home to numerous small and medium-sized businesses dedicated to the art of wrought iron. Windows, gates, stairs, gazebos, but also furnishing elements such as beds, tables, chairs, and lamps are handcrafted, respecting the oldest criteria of the blacksmith's art. Each piece is unique, designed and forged with skill and creativity, an expression of a craft deeply rooted in this land. Similarly, the ceramic workshops contribute to making the entrepreneurial fabric of Mulazzo fascinating. The processing of ceramics, in fact, represents a consolidated local tradition, linked to the territory and its culture. Local artisans continuously reinvent traditional models, giving life to original creations that combine form and function in an exemplary manner. Finally, we cannot ignore the contribution of local businesses linked to the production of cheeses and cured meats, which combine the authentic flavors of tradition with updated and nature-friendly processing methods. In short, Mulazzo is a municipality distinguished by the strength and vitality of its local businesses. These contribute not only to economic development but also to the safeguarding of local culture and traditions, making Mulazzo a truly unique place.

Community and Government

Statistics

The Municipality of Mulazzo, with the ISTAT code 45012, nestles among the hills of northern Tuscany, in the heart of the "Northern Lunigiana Mountain" agricultural region. Although not a coastal municipality, it is not too far from coastal areas and offers a territorial charm characterized by a remarkable variety of altitudes. Most of the territory ranges between 300 and 899 meters above sea level, including hilly and mountainous areas that constitute, for over 65% of the territory, attractive spaces for nature lovers and mountain tourism. The average altitude of the town center is 351 meters. The housing stock in Mulazzo consists of 2,610 units, of which 1,129 are occupied, while 1,481 are vacant and potentially available for real estate investments. Investment in this direction can be directed towards both resale and tourist rental: in both cases, the numbers indicate a significant availability of properties. The resident population amounts to 2,293 individuals, distributed almost evenly between males (1,155) and females (1,138). There is also a considerable presence of foreigners (225), a sign of a certain openness to multiculturalism. Mulazzo has a decent accommodation offer: the total number of accommodation facilities is 21, with 381 available beds. Most of the structures are agritourisms (6), followed by commercially managed rental accommodations (7), while bed & breakfasts are 3. This highlights a trend towards diversification of the tourism offer, which does not limit itself to traditional hospitality, but immerses itself in more characteristic contexts in harmony with the surrounding environment. The presence of two museum institutions, with almost 2,400 visitors in 2020, enriches its cultural appeal. The richness of the cultural heritage together with the beauty of the natural landscape make Mulazzo an interesting destination for those seeking a vacation focused on culture and nature. Finally, the municipality's geographical position is responsive to infrastructural connections. The train station, access to the highway network, and the passenger port are all less than half an hour away from the center, while the nearest airport is just under an hour away. In summary, Mulazzo offers various opportunities for investment, which can focus on enhancing the real estate heritage, expanding the accommodation and tourism offer, or promoting culture. Any potential challenges, such as the low population, can be mitigated and managed through an appropriate development strategy.

ISTAT COD AND MUNICIPALITIES
ISTAT code045012
MunicipalityMulazzo
INHABITANTS (2023)
Total Inhabitants2293
Males1155
Females1138
TERRITORIAL SURFACES
HOUSES 2021
Occupied dwellings as of December 31st1.129
Unoccupied dwellings as of December 31st1481
Homes as of December 31st2.61
Stranieri
Males128
Females97
Total225
5 STARS AND 5 STAR LUXURY
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
4 STARS
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
3 STARS
Exercises3
Beds133
Rooms53
Bathrooms61
2 STARS
Exercises2
Beds38
Rooms17
Bathrooms24
1 STAR
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
Tourist Hotel Residences
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
Total Hotels
Exercises5
Beds171
Rooms70
Bathrooms85
Campsites and Tourist Villages
Number0
Beds0
Rental accommodation managed in an entrepreneurial manner
Number7
Beds87
Farmhouses
Number6
Beds101
Youth Hostels
Number0
Beds0
Holiday homes
Number0
Beds0
Alpine refuges
Number0
Beds0
Other accommodation facilities
Number0
Beds0
Bed & Breakfast
Number3
Beds22
Total non-hotel establishments
Number16
Beds210
Total accommodation facilities
Number21
Beds381
2020 Museums and Similar Institutions
Number of museum institutions2
Number of visitors2365
Fasce altimetriche
PERIMETER_KM39.88
AREA_KMQ62.51
0-299 (%)29.6
300-599 (%)31.3
600-899 (%)34.7
900-1.199 (%)4.5
1.200-1.499 (%)0.0
1.500-1.999 (%)0.0
2.000-2.499 (%)0.0
>=2.500 (%)0.0
% Total100
Agrarian region
Agricultural Region Code4501
Denomination: Agricultural RegionMONTAGNA DELLA LUNIGIANA SETTENTRIONALE
Other statistical classifications
Altitude of the center (meters)351
Coastal municipalityNo
Island municipalityNo
Coastal areasNo
Level of urbanizationZone scarsamente popolate
Accessibility indices (in minutes)
Railway stations with active passenger service27
Access to the motorway network5
Airports56
Ports with passenger service30
Piano Strategico Nazionale per le Aree Interne
Già Area 2014-2020SI
SNAI 2020D - Intermedio
Aree SNAI 2021 - 2027Garfagnana-Lunigiana - Media Valle del Serchio - Appennino Pistoiese

Analyzing the available data from the National Strategic Plan for Inner Areas (PSNAI), it is noted that the municipality of Mulazzo has already been included in the Development Area for the period 2014-2020, and is currently in an intermediate state of development (SNAI 2020: D - Intermediate). For the programming period 2021-2027, the municipality of Mulazzo is included in the areas of Garfagnana-Lunigiana, Media Valle del Serchio, and Appennino Pistoiese. This indicates a commitment to carry out measures for the development and enhancement of the territory of Mulazzo and its resources. In fact, cohesion policies for inner areas, such as the one where Mulazzo is located, aim to enhance local peculiarities and promote a model of sustainable development, limiting depopulation and promoting economic diversification. In summary, during the period 2021-2027, the municipality of Mulazzo will continue to be supported by strategic policies aimed at revitalizing inner areas from demographic and economic decline. This represents an important opportunity for the community of Mulazzo and its territory, which will benefit from investments and projects aimed at local development and the enhancement of its resources.

News on TRAVELNOSTOP

Immersed in the heart of Tuscany, the municipality of Mulazzo, where an intimate and welcoming atmosphere reigns, stands out for a series of attractions that amaze visitors who come to these splendid places. From architectural works to religious activities, passing through cultural and popular events, Mulazzo is a treasure trove of a thousand beauties. One aspect that immediately catches the eye is the architectural and monumental richness. The main attraction is undoubtedly the Malaspina Castle. This fortress, which dominates the hills, dates back to the 10th century and has continuously represented the symbol of Mulazzo since then. Inside, you can admire a suggestive throne room, perfectly preserved. The castle is surrounded by a small and charming medieval village, which still retains the charm of the past, with its narrow streets and stone houses. Another cultural attraction of Mulazzo is the Church of San Martino, dating back to the 16th century and dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, the patron saint of the municipality. This church, located in the center of the municipality, houses works of remarkable artistic relevance. Another church to visit is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, of ancient origin and dating back to the year 1000, located in the locality of Castagnetoli. But Mulazzo is not only about art and architecture, but also about popular traditions and festivals. During the summer, there are numerous events that enliven the entire municipality. Emblematic is the "Sagra della Focaccetta," a culinary event that attracts food enthusiasts every year, ready to delight their palate with this local specialty. Soft and tasty, the focaccetta alla mulazzana is a perfect way to savor the culinary tradition of Tuscany. Another important event is the Feast of San Martino, celebrated in November. This festivity combines moments of religious devotion, dedicated to the patron saint, with moments of conviviality, including popular games and tastings of typical products. The highlight of the festival is the procession, where the faithful carry the image of the saint through the streets of the municipality, in an atmosphere of intense and engaging participation. Finally, it is worth mentioning the importance of the Travel Literature Festival, held every year during the summer. This event, which involves writers, travelers, and enthusiasts of the genre, allows you to discover new cultures and traditions through storytelling and the comparison of different travel experiences. Lastly, it is worth visiting the 'A. Gramsci' Printing Museum. Here, ancient printing machines and typographic material are preserved, testifying to the evolution of this art over the centuries. In short, Mulazzo is a municipality full of surprises, where history, art, culinary tradition, and popular festivals blend in a unique mix, capable of offering the visitor an unforgettable experience in the heart of the most authentic Tuscany.

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