From Sant'Anna di Stazzema to Capezzano Monte

The town of S. Anna di Stazzema, known for the nazi slaughter during the Second World War, is found on the slopes of Mount Gabberi and is reached by the valley of Camaiore. With the itinerary that we propose it is possible, following an ancient mule track, to descend from S. Anna to Capezzano Monte and to Pietrasanta, therefore linking the two different sides.

Starting from Pietrasanta (12m above sea level), we follow the via Sarzanese towards Capezzano Pianore for a few kilometres, until we meet on the left the junction for Monteggiori-S.Anna di Stazzema. We follow this turning and after 2.5km of steep climb we reach the town of Monteggiori and then we continue towards Culla. The road has a range of different grades of slopes and moves into evermore panoramic atmospheres, through the western slopes of Mount Gabberi until we reach the little village of S. Anna.

At this point we abandon the road that continues past the cemetery for several kilometres, and we turn left and reach the church. At this point it is worth going down by bike and then walking them (roadbed), and then we can stop and visit the shrine built in memory of the victims of the nazi massacre. The monument is in a panoramic position and is worth a brief stay.

We start walking again and following the red arrows that go up a slight slope, we continue along a path that soon leads to a wide gap where we enter a dirt road that descends to the left. At this point following the signs (red sign CAI n.3) we reach the end of the road, near some cottages (Argentiera) and here descending to the left, we continue (pushing our bikes) along a fairly uneven path.

Having passed a rocky stretch where we need to pay particular attention, we climb back up a few sharp bends to a hill (Case Zuffoni), after which it is possible to continue in a more comfortable way through the pine woods until the first layers of Capezzano Monte. Still following the red signs and the road sign n.3 CAI, we come onto a dirt track, then a path that leads to the church via the chararcteristic lanes of Capezzano.

At this point we find ourselves on the asphalted road that in 5km leads, with many bends, to the Versilia plains. We follow it to the left, and enjoying a magnificent view towards the coast, we soon arrive at Pietrasanta where our itinerary started.