Piazza al Serchio

Located in the heart of Tuscany, in the picturesque province of Lucca, the municipality of Piazza al Serchio is a corner of Italian paradise, known for its rich history, fascinating culture, and privileged position at the foot of the Apuan Alps. Covering an area of 38.29 square kilometers, the town of Piazza al Serchio stands out for its breathtaking views, charming ancient palaces, and warm and welcoming people. Piazza al Serchio boasts a very ancient population, with evidence of settlements dating back to the Bronze Age and Etruscan civilization. Until the Etruscan-Roman period, the area currently occupied by Piazza al Serchio was called "Pieve Fosciana," a name that remained until the Antelminelli family, in the 13th century, built a fortress and called it "Piazza." Many believe that the name "al Serchio" was added to differentiate the village from other locations with the same name, as it is located near the Serchio River. The water of the Serchio River has played a fundamental role in shaping the history and landscape of Piazza al Serchio. It has allowed the development of activities essential for the local economy such as fishing and agriculture. The river, the most important in the province of Lucca, has also created a lush natural environment, which enriches the beauty of this Tuscan village. The community of Piazza al Serchio, composed of just over 2,000 inhabitants, still preserves its traditions and customs. Annual events and festivals are an opportunity to relive ancient customs, immersing visitors in the atmosphere of the past. Furthermore, Piazza al Serchio is renowned for its typical Tuscan cuisine delicacies. Here you can taste local traditional dishes accompanied by the region's fine wines; a true delight for any gastronomy enthusiast. From a geographical point of view, Piazza al Serchio is strategically advantageous, being easily accessible from both Lucca and other Tuscan cities of great historical and cultural importance such as Pisa and Florence. But what makes this village particularly fascinating is its proximity to the Apuan Alps, a scenic view that makes every visit unique. Piazza al Serchio is a living reflection of historical and romantic Tuscan culture, a place suspended between natural and architectural beauties, where tradition and modernity coexist in a harmonious blend. A destination worth exploring, to discover hidden corners of an authentic culture, breathing the pure air of the mountains and savoring the intense taste of its typical food and wine products. A land that preserves a strong identity and an atmosphere of times gone by, where every visitor can feel at home.

ISTAT code: 046023

Available Opportunities

Neighboring municipalities

Camporgiano, Casola in Lunigiana, Fivizzano, Minucciano, Piazza al Serchio, San Romano in Garfagnana, Villa Minozzo

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Companies, Institutions and Points of Interest in the municipality of Piazza al Serchio:

In the heart of Tuscany, nestled in the enchanting scenery of Garfagnana, the municipality of Piazza al Serchio is home to a diverse range of local businesses, deeply rooted in the local social and economic fabric, representing an important driver of development for the entire area. A distinctive feature of Piazza al Serchio is the presence of numerous artisanal companies of significant importance and tradition. Among them, those operating in the woodworking and carpentry sector stand out, where the art of wood processing is passed down from generation to generation. In these workshops, the wisdom of local artisans brings venerable pieces of wood to life, transformed into sought-after and appreciated furniture, both locally and nationally. In the food and wine context, Piazza al Serchio focuses on genuineness and tradition. Several local farms and agricultural companies, many of which are family-run, offer a varied production of quality products. From cattle and pig farming, essential for the production of top-quality meats and cold cuts, to the cultivation of seasonal fruits and vegetables, thus enhancing organic and sustainable agriculture. The short supply chain also represents a fundamental value for these entrepreneurial realities, as it allows to trace the product's path from producer to consumer, ensuring freshness, genuineness, and compliance with quality standards. An important sector of the territory is certainly tourism and hospitality. Thanks to its favorable geographical position, Piazza al Serchio offers a varied range of hotel and non-hotel structures. Among these, agritourisms and bed and breakfasts stand out, perfectly integrated into the natural context and ideal for those seeking a stay focused on relaxation and well-being. The entrepreneurial activity that weaves the economic fabric of Piazza al Serchio also does not forget the presence of small traders, essential for supporting the daily life of the village. Cheeses, fresh meats, freshly baked bread, but also household and personal products enrich the shop windows in the center, where the direct relationship with the customer represents the added value that makes local shopping unique. Ultimately, the local economy of Piazza al Serchio is a faithful mirror of Tuscan authenticity, a place where the processing of local raw materials, respect for nature, and centuries-old traditions combine to give life to a nucleus of lively and unique businesses. Those who venture through the streets of this municipality will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world where time seems to have stopped, a world where tradition and innovation harmoniously blend, offering unique and unforgettable experiences. Every activity, every shop, every workshop tells a story of passion, commitment, and dedication to the art of doing things well.

Community and Government

Statistics

The Municipality of Piazza al Serchio, identified with the ISTAT code 46023, is located as a fascinating territory of medium-small dimensions in the Italian landscape. With a population of just over 2,000 inhabitants, divided almost equally between males and females, it can offer potential investors a well-connected and welcoming community environment for new economic initiatives. The presence of foreigners in the Municipality remains modest, with around fifty individuals suggesting a rather homogeneous ethnic-social territory, and therefore potentially more easily accessible for local impact investments. The territorial extension, which covers an area of 27 square kilometers, guarantees a large surface on which possible infrastructural developments or real estate interventions can be carried out. In this sense, the Municipality of Piazza al Serchio presents a favorable picture: of the 1,506 dwellings present as of December 31, 2021, 921 are occupied, while 585 are currently unoccupied. From a morphological point of view, the territory extends mainly in areas of high and medium mountains, with 54.64% of its surface located in the altimetric range between 600 and 899 meters above sea level. This, together with the altitude of the center of the municipality, which is located at 536 meters, suggests a strong potential for mountain tourism activities, such as hiking, winter sports, or relaxation at high altitudes. Currently, the tourist and accommodation offer is mainly concentrated in non-hotel establishments, with 3 agritourisms with a total of 40 beds and one rental accommodation with 8 beds standing out. However, hotel hospitality is not entirely absent, with 2 3-star hotels offering 46 beds. This provides an adequate basis for possible development of the tourism sector, which could consist of an increase in accommodation capacity, or the creation of new quality tourist services. The cultural heritage of the Municipality is evidenced by the presence of a museum institute, which attracted 150 visitors in 2020. Although these figures may seem modest, it is possible that a targeted investment in the local cultural offer could attract a greater number of visitors, stimulating the creation of a more consistent tourist flow. Finally, a point to consider is the access infrastructure. The Municipality of Piazza al Serchio is not directly located on the coast or near major transport arteries such as highways and railway stations. However, the existing ones can be reached in about an hour, highlighting a not immediate, but still possible access to the main transport hubs of the region. In conclusion, despite some limitations in terms of accessibility, the Municipality of Piazza al Serchio offers several opportunities for investors interested in sectors such as real estate, tourism, and culture. The fundamental elements for a successful intervention are already in place, and a forward-thinking and well-planned approach could easily translate into significant opportunities for economic growth and territorial enhancement.

ISTAT COD AND MUNICIPALITIES
ISTAT code046023
MunicipalityPiazza al Serchio
INHABITANTS (2023)
Total Inhabitants2084
Males999
Females1085
TERRITORIAL SURFACES
HOUSES 2021
Occupied dwellings as of December 31st921
Unoccupied dwellings as of December 31st585
Homes as of December 31st1.506
Stranieri
Males19
Females41
Total60
5 STARS AND 5 STAR LUXURY
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
4 STARS
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
3 STARS
Exercises2
Beds46
Rooms19
Bathrooms22
2 STARS
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
1 STAR
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
Tourist Hotel Residences
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
Total Hotels
Exercises2
Beds46
Rooms19
Bathrooms22
Campsites and Tourist Villages
Number0
Beds0
Rental accommodation managed in an entrepreneurial manner
Number1
Beds8
Farmhouses
Number3
Beds40
Youth Hostels
Number0
Beds0
Holiday homes
Number0
Beds0
Alpine refuges
Number0
Beds0
Other accommodation facilities
Number0
Beds0
Bed & Breakfast
Number0
Beds0
Total non-hotel establishments
Number4
Beds48
Total accommodation facilities
Number6
Beds94
2020 Museums and Similar Institutions
Number of museum institutions1
Number of visitors150
Fasce altimetriche
PERIMETER_KM38.17
AREA_KMQ27.03
0-299 (%)0.0
300-599 (%)29.0
600-899 (%)54.6
900-1.199 (%)9.8
1.200-1.499 (%)6.5
1.500-1.999 (%)0.0
2.000-2.499 (%)0.0
>=2.500 (%)0.0
% Total100
Agrarian region
Agricultural Region Code4602
Denomination: Agricultural RegionGARFAGNANA CENTRALE
Other statistical classifications
Altitude of the center (meters)536
Coastal municipalityNo
Island municipalityNo
Coastal areasNo
Level of urbanizationZone scarsamente popolate
Accessibility indices (in minutes)
Railway stations with active passenger service69
Access to the motorway network56
Airports93
Ports with passenger service72
Piano Strategico Nazionale per le Aree Interne
Già Area 2014-2020SI
SNAI 2020F - Ultraperiferico
Aree SNAI 2021 - 2027Garfagnana-Lunigiana - Media Valle del Serchio - Appennino Pistoiese

The municipality of Piazza al Serchio, located in Tuscany, has been recognized as part of the internal areas since the 2014-2020 period. Furthermore, in 2020 it was classified as an 'ultraperipheral' area (SNAI F). According to the National Strategic Plan for Internal Areas 2021-2027, Piazza al Serchio falls within the areas of Garfagnana-Lunigiana, Media Valle del Serchio, and Appennino Pistoiese. The classification and recognition of Piazza al Serchio as part of the internal areas highlight the specific challenges of this area in terms of marginalization, depopulation, and lack of services. At the same time, being part of the National Strategic Plan for Internal Areas offers the opportunity to access specific funds and programs aimed at promoting socioeconomic development and addressing the problems associated with being an internal area. It is therefore very important for the municipality to be proactive in proposing and implementing projects that can benefit from this support, focusing on sectors such as sustainable tourism, agriculture, craftsmanship, and any other activity capable of promoting the economic and social growth of the territory, while safeguarding the environment and local traditions at the same time.

News on TRAVELNOSTOP

Located in the heart of the lush Tuscan region, the municipality of Piazza al Serchio represents a lively blend of art, history, and traditions. This charming village, caressed by the waters of the Serchio River, is ideal if you want to escape the frenzy of the metropolis and are looking for a genuine experience, immersed in nature and the charm of the ancient. Particularly striking is the church of San Michele Arcangelo, which stands within the village with its austere and gentle beauty. The patron saint of Piazza al Serchio is indeed San Michele Arcangelo, to whom an annual traditional festival is also dedicated, involving the entire village in the month of September. A fine example of local religious architecture, the church of San Michele boasts splendid works of art inside, including the Romanesque baptistery. Also worth a visit is the provocative bronze sculpture "The Thinker" by artist Mario Tobino, located in Piazza della Repubblica, which will surely pique your curiosity. Not far away is the Serchio River Park, an oasis of peace where you can stroll and relax to the sound of birdsong and the river's waters. The tranquil and peaceful atmosphere that pervades the municipality of Piazza al Serchio does not make it any less lively or interesting. Throughout the year, various events, festivals, and celebrations are organized that awaken the ancient village. Among these, the "Pizza Festival" stands out, during which visitors can savor the delights of Tuscan cuisine, prepared according to ancient local recipes. Generous with its fruits, the land of Piazza al Serchio stands out for the production of quality wines and honey, but also for the cultivation of spelt, an ancient cereal that has become fashionable in recent years. Every summer, in fact, the "Spelt Festival" takes place, during which visitors can taste various dishes prepared with this precious ingredient. Another important event is the "San Michele Fair", which takes place every year on September 29, on the occasion of the patron saint's feast day. This historic fair, which has medieval origins, is a must-see for those who love antique markets and want to immerse themselves in local culture. Finally, a special mention goes to the "Carnevaleria", an original winter carnival during which the municipality of Piazza al Serchio is populated by colorful masks and suggestive parades, making the atmosphere even more allegorical and festive. In conclusion, Piazza al Serchio is a corner of Tuscany that offers a lot, both from a historical-artistic and enogastronomic-cultural point of view. Its discreet charm, nestled between the green hills and golden fields, knows how to conquer the heart of anyone who decides to visit it.

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