Where Stone Houses and Tranquility Meet: Exploring Cerretoli in Tuscany’s Garfagnana

Hello, dearest friends!

I realized I had forgotten to tell you about this place when I spoke about Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. We are still in the legendary Garfagnana area of Tuscany, a region I have mentioned multiple times as being somewhat underrated or even a little unknown in terms of tourism. That’s why I’m taking advantage of this community to share it with all of you.

Today, I’d like to talk about a small hamlet within the municipality of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana called Cerretoli. In my opinion, it’s a very interesting place, rich in natural and cultural attractions that could be quite appealing to visitors if you happen to be in the area.

As soon as I arrived, what struck me most about this place was the cluster of stone houses, so closely built together that they almost form a single nucleus. Naturally, during my excursion, I also noticed the tranquil environment, which is both very peaceful and incredibly picturesque. As you can see from the photos, it’s a charming spot. Moreover, being situated at an altitude of about 500 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a stunning panorama from here.

It seems this place has ancient origins, dating back to Roman times. From the informational signs I read, the name "Cerretoli" means “Cedar Forest,” which is where it got its name.
There aren’t any major attractions here, except for the Church of San Nicolò, which is certainly a religious landmark. Unfortunately, I found it closed, and it seems to be in a state of abandonment. Likely, very few people live here permanently, so it has been closed for some time.

In my opinion, the sight of these stone houses is beautiful because, as I’ve mentioned when talking about other places, they represent the rural Tuscan culture. I believe this heritage should be preserved over time, as it would be a real shame to lose this and not pass it on to future generations.

Since this place is nestled in a forested environment, you’ll find many trails for hiking and trekking here. As I’ve mentioned before, Garfagnana is a highly naturalistic area in Tuscany, allowing visitors and tourists to fully immerse themselves in its natural beauty.

I spent a few peaceful hours wandering the streets of this village, and I must say, it’s always a rejuvenating experience, both for the body and the soul.

I hope my story and photos have been interesting, and as always, I hope you’ll visit these places in person. Have a great day, and see you next time!