Borgo a Mozzano is a town and comune in the province of Lucca, that is located on the Serchio River. It is most famous for an architectural feature located on the river, the Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge), which draws thousands of visitors to the town every year. It is one of two or three dozen ‘devil bridges' found primarily in Europe, most of which date back to medieval times. Thought to have been commissioned by the Countess Matilda di Canossa of Tuscany around 1080-1100, renovated around 1300 and renamed the Ponte della Maddalena around 1500 after an oratory dedicated to Mary Magdalene, it became known as the Ponte del Diavolo because of a popular legend. The legend tells the tale of a master builder who promised to build a bridge and became rather desperate when he realised he could not build it as quickly as he had assured the locals. One evening, while he sat on the bank of the river, the devil appeared to him in the form of a respectable businessman and said he could finish in a single night, if the builder would promise him the soul of the first one who crossed when it was completed.
When the bridge was finished, the builder became worried about his deal with the devil and ordered the locals not to cross the bridge, set off on his horse and went to Lucca to ask the bishop for help. He told the builder that he should let a pig cross the bridge first and the devil, furious at having been tricked, threw himself into the waters when he saw that it was a pig that had made the first journey across. He jumped into the water and was never seen in the area again.
However, today you might find devils in the area but only at Hallowe'en and only for the equally legendary festival that takes place there each year; the eagerly-awaited Halloween Celebration of Borgo a Mozzano.
From the 29th to the 31st of October this year, the 23rd edition of the festival will take place in and around the town.
However, today you might find devils in the area but only at Hallowe'en and only for the equally legendary festival that takes place there each year; the eagerly-awaited Halloween Celebration of Borgo a Mozzano.
From the 29th to the 31st of October this year, the 23rd edition of the festival will take place in and around the town.
There will be an interactive show and costume contest with ‘Jack the Pumpkin King', a fireworks display over the Serchio River, live music and a Halloween market. There will also be more adult activities such as in conferences on ghosts, scary walking tours, dinner in a haunted castle and more, ending with a Halloween ‘ritual' that begins at 2am at an undisclosed location.
There is no better place to spend Hallowe'en in Tuscany so if you are planning on holidaying in the region this October, check out our luxury villas in Lucca.
There is no better place to spend Hallowe'en in Tuscany so if you are planning on holidaying in the region this October, check out our luxury villas in Lucca.
