Halloween is approaching and you are probably looking for a blood-curdling celebration, different from any other you have taken part to. We have the solution for you: visit Borgo a Mozzano and participate to the famous “Halloween Celebration” near one of Italy's most terrifying bridges, the Bridge of the Devil!
We are in a small village plunged in the green vegetation of Media Valle del Serchio near the city of Lucca. It has medieval origins and many places of interest to see, like its ancient churches or the remains of the "Gothic Line", which was the defensive fortification used by Germans during the Second World War.
The most-known monument is the "Ponte del Diavolo" or "della Maddalena", a peculiar asymmetrical structure with a cuspidated central arch. This architectural masterpiece was commissioned by the Countess Matilda of Tuscany c. 1080-1100 to allow pilgrims to reach Lucca and Rome through the Via Francigena. It was then restaurated by Castruccio Castracani in the XII century while another arch was added in the right side in the early 1900s.
The bridge is linked to some hair-rising popular legends. The most famous one tells that the chief construction manager was so worried about the building's delays that he decided to make a pact with the Devil. Satan allowed him to finish all the works in one night in exchange of the first soul crossing the bridge. The worker accepted but he desperately asked the village priest's advice to find a solution which could avoid the sacrifice of an innocent man. He suggested to make a dog cross the bridge, so the Devil would take its soul in exchange. His decision enraged him but he sank in the river never returning back. However, some believe that every year he wanders near the bridge at the end of October looking for the construction worker with the appearance of a big white dog...
And it's right in occasion of Halloween Day that Borgo a Mozzano gets wrapped by a scary and lugubrious atmosphere. The celebration begins on October 28th and it continues until the grand final of October 31st. Thousands of people walk along the city streets dressed up like witches, zombies or vampires taking part to "ghost finders" conferences, wizardry shows and terrifying interactive horror itineraries through the "land of vampires". The night is also animated by some theatrical reenactments like "La Notte di Lucida”, demonic animations or shows for children. The celebration is accompanied by street food stands and street bands playing dance, metal, rock and afro music. Halloween night's highlights are surely the wonderful thematical fireworks show and the macabre dance shows planned at late night.
This year, choose to celebrate Halloween in the best way possible! If you are looking for an accommodation near Borgo a Mozzano, we suggest our Villa Fiamma, Villa Lugliano or Villa Marginone!
