Sarzana has ancient origins, in fact it's already remembered in the first millennium, and a fascinating history, dominated by several lords and towns, Castruccio Castracani, Spinetta Malaspina, the Pisans, the Visconti, the Genoese and the Florentines and it's also the very place where Dante stayed. This town boasts two castles, the Firmafede Fortress, of Pisan origin, and the Fortress of Sarzanello, an ancient bishop's residence.

Today, the sixteenth-century walled village has almost remained intact, with its walls and four Towers. The historic center develops along Via Bertoloni and Via Mazzini, between Porta Parma and Porta Romana, in the ancient stretch of the Via Francigena. Currently this town is also characterized by a notable dynamism and cultural activity. Numerous are the concerts and events happening in this area, among the most important:

Soffitta nella Strada - Attic in the Street: review of the antiques and modern antiques market

Calandriniana: extemporaneous painting event 7 - 23 August 2009

Festival della Mente - Festival of the Mind: exhibition dedicated to creativity, development of ideas and creative processes 4 - 6 September 2009