Maissana: Jasper, Nature and Culture

Several clear holiday focuses can be considered when choosing a holiday apartment in Maissana: jasper and archaeology in Valle Lagorara, river nature along the Torrente Borsa and the Vara, as well as historic buildings in Maissana. Those travelling with different interests can use this to enjoy varied days combining discoveries, landscapes and culture.

Jasper and archaeology in Valle Lagorara

The open-cast jasper mine in Valle Lagorara was in operation during the Copper Age, between 3500 and 2600 BC. At the Esposizione di minerali e reperti archeologici, a series of panels explains the individual steps involved in processing jasper. This includes a mineralogical section with around sixty specimens from the surrounding area. The focus is therefore on both the long history of jasper use and its processing, as well as the region's mineral world.

A special landscape view opens up at the Fontana Sacrata on the Grande Anello del Benessere. The viewpoint lies on the watershed between the Vara River and the Borsa stream. From there, you can look out over the Valle Lagorara archaeological site and the wine-red jasper rock layers. For a holiday apartment in Maissana, this focus may be interesting if nature observation and historical topics are equally part of your holiday.

River nature and distinctive landscape features

The SIC of the Torrente Borsa extends as far as the Vara River and protects the habitat of the freshwater crab (Potamon fluviatile) along the river. In addition to its geological and archaeological associations, the landscape therefore also has a specific natural-history dimension.

The SIC of Passo del Bocco also includes the municipality of Maissana. The area preserves evidence of human presence dating back to the Middle Palaeolithic. In the village of Giandriali, there is also a holly tree (Ilex aquifolium) estimated to be 350 years old. It has a circumference of 120 cm and is 16 metres tall.

Historic sites in Maissana

The Museo territorio Valle Lagorara is located at Via Macalle' in 19010 Maissana (SP). For visitors to the archaeological area, the Centro di Accoglienza for the Valle Lagorara archaeological site in Santa Maria is normally the first point of contact. The museum and visitor centre therefore offer different perspectives for exploring Valle Lagorara.

Maissana itself also offers several tangible traces of culture. The 18th-century Church of San Bartolomeo Apostolo contains frescoes, wooden statues and a 16th-century crucifix. The building known as “La prigione dei Fieschi” dates from 1200. Maissana is also home to the 16th-century Oratorio di Santa Maria Maddalena.

A holiday apartment in Maissana for varied holiday days

Tickets for Parco Avventura Val di Vara can be purchased at the entrance and online. The Centro Turistico Sportivo di Tavarone has a swimming pool, a tennis court and a football pitch. When choosing a holiday apartment in Maissana, you can consider whether jasper and archaeology, nature observation or historic sites should be the focus of your trip. The different topics help you consciously align your daily plans with your preferred location, without limiting your holiday to a single activity.

Discover more places

For your regional orientation: Piano di Follo, Caranza, Madonna di Buonviaggio, L'ago, Ceparana, Levanto, Pignone, Volastra.

For the higher-level travel overview: La Spezia.