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The place-name Lumarzo assumes the existence of a vast area assigned to a “Field of Mars” during the first Roman occupation. This area is a place were young soldiers can train.
Other sources indicate that this territory was where the Consul Quinto Marcio was defeated by the simple Liguri. Because of this historic tradition, the coat of arms portrays the god Mars, armed with a spear, helmet, and shield, behind the bastion of a Roman “castrum.”
The strategic position of the Medieval town didn’t escape Malaspina and the Counts of Lavagna who turned it into a defensive settlement. The most recent story tells us that the refuge was protected by German troops, before the surrender, during WWII.
The center of Lumarzo extends longitudinally in the rural heart of the Fontanabuona Valley and here it seems to be in complete harmony with nature that has not yet been touched by industries or progress.
The typical hill area highlights the landscape of the various communities that are immersed in the scented woods of chestnut trees that unite the communities of Tasso, Tassarello, Boasi, and Vallebuona. Pannesi reserves old picturesque homes of farmers and there roofs are covered with the typical “ciappe.”
One must visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Bosco that remembers the apparition of the Virgin to a deaf and dumb farmer that was trying to graze its herd. Very poetic is the Chapel of Berte and inside you can admire a memorial tablet to honor the martyrs that contributed to and defeated the arrogant Nazi’s.
One must also visit the Church of St. Martino del Veneto, which unfortunately was semi-destroyed due to a fire in June 2000. The church is an ancient construction and its actual shape dates back to 1479. A visit to Lumarzo and its neighboring towns offers fascinating walks among ferns and chestnut trees. However it also invites gourmets to savor the local dishes that are filled with porcini mushrooms that are typical of the area.
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