The second largest municipality in the Province of La Spezia when it comes to inhabitants and the most important town in the Val Di Magra. Sarzana’s origins go back to ancient times, and it was considered the heir to the Roman settlement of Luni, in a strategic position between the routes connecting Liguria, Tuscany and Emilia Romagna. This is why is was dominated by several important cities which have left traces of their rule over the different centuries. Along the walls of Sarzano, we find the Firmafede Fortress, built in the mid 13th century. Inside the mediaeval town is the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built in 1204, which contains a prestigious wooden cross by Mastro Guglielmo, the oldest painted cross in Italy. Also worth a visit is the church of San Francesco and the numerous works of art inside it. These include the splendid funeral monument of Guarniero degli Antelminelli, son of Castruccio Castracani. The streets and squares of Sarzana are notable for the historic buildings surrounding them. Also worth visiting is the fortress of Sarzanello, one of Europe’s most beautiful fortifications. It is open to visitors all year round and can be reached by car or on foot.