Casa Maraini: History, Culture, and Silence in the Apuan Alps

azaniacamping
Jan 16
3 min read

Casa Maraini: History, Culture, and Silence in the Apuan Alps

High above the valleys of Garfagnana, in the quiet mountain area of Alpe di Sant’Antonio, stands Casa Maraini—a place where history, culture, and nature meet in perfect balance. More than a simple mountain house, Casa Maraini is a powerful symbol of intellectual freedom, deep connection with the land, and the timeless spirit of the Apuan Alps.

A House Chosen by Fosco Maraini

Casa Maraini was the mountain refuge of Fosco Maraini (1912–2004), one of the most important Italian intellectuals of the 20th century. Writer, poet, photographer, anthropologist, explorer, and mountaineer, Maraini traveled the world—from Tibet to Japan—but always returned to the Apuan Alps, the mountains of his youth and heart.

In the 1970s, he discovered this remote, abandoned stone house on the slopes of Monte Rovaio, at nearly 1,000 meters above sea level. He restored it with simplicity, respecting the traditional mountain style, and chose it as his place of retreat, reflection, and creativity. Here he lived long periods of his life, writing, thinking, and observing the natural world far from modern distractions.

A Place of Thought and Memory

Casa Maraini was never meant to be luxurious. It had no direct road access, no unnecessary comforts—only silence, wind, forests, and wide mountain horizons. This essential lifestyle reflected Maraini’s philosophy: living close to nature in order to understand both the world and oneself.

Today, the house is part of a cultural and memorial project dedicated to preserving Maraini’s legacy. It belongs to the Parco Culturale “Le Apuane di Fosco Maraini” and is included in the national network of Case della Memoria. Visitors can explore the site through marked trails, information panels, and guided walks that tell the story of Maraini’s life, his work, and his profound bond with these mountains.

Nearby, at the small cemetery of Alpe di Sant’Antonio, lies Maraini’s grave, exactly where he wished to rest—among the peaks he loved most.

Walking Through History and Nature

Reaching Casa Maraini requires a walk along mountain paths, making the visit a true journey rather than a simple stop. The surrounding landscape is unchanged: beech forests, stone paths, open views toward the Panie group, and the deep quiet of the Apuan Alps.

This is a place for:

Lovers of history and literature
Hikers seeking meaningful destinations
Travelers interested in cultural and spiritual landscapes
Anyone wishing to experience Tuscany beyond its famous cities

Casa Maraini invites visitors to slow down, listen, and reflect—just as its owner once did.

Stay Nearby: aZania Camping

Not far from Casa Maraini and Alpe di Sant’Antonio lies Azania Camping, an ideal base for exploring this historical and natural area. Surrounded by forests and mountain scenery, the campsite offers a peaceful and authentic stay in close contact with the Apuan Alps.

Staying at Azania Camping allows visitors to:

Explore cultural sites like Casa Maraini
Walk historic and nature trails
Enjoy quiet mountain nights and fresh air
Discover a lesser-known, authentic side of Tuscany

A visit to Casa Maraini combined with a stay at Azania Camping becomes more than a holiday—it becomes an experience of history, culture, and nature living together in the heart of the mountains.