Cicagna

The town of Cicagna is located in the center of the valley right on the river that crosses it. The capital is in fact developed on the two banks of the Lavagna and has a small historic center with ancient houses, many of which are finely frescoed. The village retains an ancient bridge dating back to 1557.

The Municipality has five hamlets, Monleone, Pianezza, Cassottana, Canivella and Serra. On the seaward side there is Monte Manico del Lume, a mountain of modest altitude (801 m) but a very well-known and interesting hiking destination.

Many and various commercial and productive activities are located in the territory of the Municipality, such as that of the inevitable slate. Agriculture it was central in the past but is still widespread thanks to the production of vegetables, fruit and vines.

Cicagna, thanks to its position and flat conformation, was a important center for the Fontanabuona already around the year 1000, when it saw the rise of one of the twenty-eight Parishes of Genovesato.

Like other places it was the site of trade in goods mainly salt and bread which was produced and then transported on mules to be sold in the Po valley. In the past, the linen, cotton and silk textile industry was also active in this area.

Cicagna boasts a particular bond with the traditional music of the Apennines, having given birth to it Nicolò Bacigalupo, known as ü Grixiu (Cicagna, 1863 – 1937). For many years he dedicated himself to recovering the art of making fifes, an instrument which, together with the accordion, has animated traditional songs and dances for centuries.

For a play on words Cicagna is also the land of the stork.

In the 1920s, a child's letter addressed to the "stork" was delivered to the Cicagna post office, followed by a response from the director which started a long and imaginative correspondence with many other children.

Over time the stork has become the country symbol as evidenced by the statue dedicated to her and placed on the civic tower.