Far from the well-trodden vineyards and Renaissance art of central Tuscany lies the rugged, chestnut-covered hills of Garfagnana in the province of Lucca, a landscape filled with mountain forests, medieval villages and local traditions that feel almost untouched by time.
Host Katy Clarke welcomes Buzz McCarthy, long-time resident, world traveller and author, to uncover what makes this lesser-known corner of Tuscany so captivating and distinct within Italy’s diverse regional tapestry.
Buzz shares how she first discovered Garfagnana over 30 years ago and what kept calling her back until she eventually made it her home. From the valley’s rugged terrain and its deep-rooted connection to chestnut and farro cultivation, to the vineyards, forests and stone villages, this episode paints a rich picture of a place where nature and tradition still shape everyday life.
The conversation explores local food culture that surprises many visitors – like testing olive oil by the glass, celebrating farro in multi-course food festivals, and buying wine and oil by the litre in village shops – as well as fascinating local history such as Garfagnana’s role on the Gothic Line during World War II and the unexpected Scottish accents you might hear wandering the streets of Barga.
Buzz and Katy also touch on nearby Lucca and its surrounding treasures, the marble quarries of Carrara, and how quieter towns like Castelnuovo di Garfagnana offer delicious food, strong traditions and genuine Tuscan character far from the crowds. Whether you are planning a trip to Tuscany or just want to understand one of its most intriguing hidden valleys, this episode brings Garfagnana’s landscapes, history and lifestyle into focus with thoughtful insight and local perspective.
Recorded: February 2021 with Katy Clarke and Buzz McCarthy
#untolditaly #travelpodcast #italypodcast #garfagnana #tuscany #italytravel #hiddenitaly
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