Taponecco, located at 610 m.s.l.m. in the municipality of Licciana Nardi, is an ancient hamlet, characterized by tunnels, arches, vaults and numerous stone portals, on the slopes of the Apennines. The settlement currently consists of a concentric cluster of houses, but once also included the tower of Apella, placed just above and originally part of the castle of Taponecco. The tower stands on a rocky spur and represents an important point of sighting of the Apennines.
The first testimonies of Taponecco date back to the twelfth century, but the human settlement in this area is much older, as evidenced by a stele statue dating back to the Eneolithic (III-II millennium BC) found close to the village.
Taponecco preserves medieval and Renaissance features, offering views of historical and architectural interest. The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, mentioned for the first time in 1187 and shared with the village of Apella, may have originally been located in the area of the old castle.
Today, the bell tower houses a well-known farm, while the village retains its charm and the link with the territory of Bagnone.
