The little medieval town of Castelnuovo (227m/745ft; population 8,000) lies in the heart of the Garfagnana as this stretch of the fertile valley of the Serchio, flanked by the Apuan Alps to the west and Apennines to the east, is known. Historically Castelnuovo always had closer ties with Modena and Ferrara, i.e. with the house of Este, than with the its geographical neighbors, the city-republics of Florence and Lucca.
The Museo Don Luigi Pellegrini, situated to the northeast of Castiglione di Garfagnana, features an interesting collection of traditional costumes, craftwork and everyday items from the Garfagnana area.
Rebuilt in 1504, the three-aisled cathedral houses a beautiful 14th century crucifix and a terracotta group "St Joseph and the Two Angels" attributed to the Della Robbia.
The castle, begun in the 13th century and later extended several times, is testimony to the fierceness of hostilities involving the town. Guarding the southern approaches to the Piazza Umberto, it played a crucial role in Castelnuovo's defenses. The ring walls and watch towers are still virtually intact.
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