Aulla is located in the heart of Lunigiana, at the confluence of the Magra and Aulella rivers. In ancient times, the village was an important crossroads along the Via Francigena—a hub for pilgrimage and trade, as well as a strategic point for defending the roads connecting Lucca and Liguria to the Cisa Pass.
Aulla is home to the ancient Abbey of San Caprasio, built in 884, which now hosts the Museum of the Pilgrim. The museum displays artifacts from recent archaeological excavations, including the tomb of the saint. Another notable monument is the Brunella Fortress, built in the 16th century, a prime example of Renaissance military architecture that currently houses the Museum of Natural History.
Beyond Aulla's historic center, visitors can explore charming hilltop villages such as Bibola (7th century), with the remains of a powerful castle, and Caprigliola (12th century), distinguished by its elegant cylindrical tower. In the hamlet of Pallerone, in addition to the castle, one can admire a captivating mechanical nativity scene—one of the oldest in Italy—alongside a museum dedicated to traditional nativity displays.
