One of the best-known hilltowns in the province, Barga has a varied history and a rich cultural background. Set in the quiet and restful greenery of the Serchio valley and encompassed by the ApuaneAlps and the Appennines, it borders with the region of Garfagnana and is only a short distance from Lucca. The old, walled, medival part of the town, with its narrow winding streets, its piazzas and ancient palazzi, its imposing romanesque Duomo towering above the rooftops, comes alive in summer with concerts and art exhibitions, open-air performances and festivities. Nearby, one can visit the home (now a museum) of Giovanni Pascoli or such natural wonders as the "Grotta del Vento" and "Orrido di Botri" gorge. Spring and autumn, when the countryside turns into a riot of colour, are just as pleasant, and Barga can become the perfect base from which to set out and visit the art cities of Tuscany: Lucca, Pisa, Florence, Siena, San Gimignamo as well as many others; or the Chianti region, the Etruscan town of Volterra and even the island of Elba. For the more mundane, and just an hour away from Barga, there are the beautiful beaches and elegant shops and nightclubs of Versilia.