July 10, 2025, 5:33 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Many fans of Italy appreciate the local atmosphere and the Dolce Vita during their vacations. However, there’s a surprising twist at a certain location in Tuscany. Instead of regional specialties, you can find fish and chips there about once a year. It tastes like Scotland—and for good reason! More on this at TRAVELBOOK.
Tuscany is certainly not a hidden gem. However, beyond the region’s particularly popular destinations (such as Florence, Siena, Lucca, and Pisa), there are places that have not yet been heavily impacted by tourism. So, if you’re looking for something authentically Italian away from the crowds–and don’t mind a touch of Scotland–a visit to the historic town of Barga is recommended.
Overview
Why Barga is Considered the Most Scottish Town in Italy
It sounds unusual, but it’s easily explained: In the second half of the 19th century, Tuscany fell into an economic crisis. While many people emigrated to Northern Italy or the U.S., numerous residents of Barga moved to Scotland–especially to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Many of them or their descendants later returned, as described in a report by “Dispatches Europe.”
This migration history has left its mark. Estimates suggest that 40 to 60 percent of Barga’s current population has at least partial Scottish roots. This heritage is still celebrated today, such as at the annual Fish & Chips Festival “Sagra del Pesce e Patate.” Barga also has its own tartan, woven in the colors of the Italian flag–a symbolic statement for this unique connection between two cultures.
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Good Reasons to Visit Barga
You don’t have to be a fan of Scotland to appreciate Barga. The town stands out on its own. As noted on the official Tourism Website of Tuscany, Barga has been included in the list of “Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages” by the Italian Municipal Association ANCI. Additionally, it has been awarded the “Bandiera arancione” quality seal by the Touring Club Italiano. The orange flag honors culturally and touristically attractive places in rural areas. Visitors can enjoy good infrastructure: Since 2008, QR codes have been placed throughout the town’s historic center, allowing easy access to information about attractions via smartphone.
With an area of just about 67 square kilometers, Barga is a manageable community. But that doesn’t make it any less worth visiting. The old town is filled with medieval architecture, narrow alleys, and lovingly restored houses. Among the most popular attractions is the Teatro dei Differenti: a baroque theater still in use today. However, Barga’s most visible landmark is the Duomo di San Cristoforo, a Catholic church built in the year 1000. “This imposing stone structure sits atop the highest point of Barga and is the reward for a long climb from the front historic gate,” writes someone on the user platform “Tripadvisor.” From there, you have a unique view of the Apuan Alps.
Tips for Culture Enthusiasts
Barga is known for its vibrant cultural scene. Numerous galleries, studios, and small theaters shape the town’s image. Particularly noteworthy is the “Barga Jazz Festival,” which has been held every summer since 1986 for several weeks. The event series includes concerts, jam sessions, workshops, and culinary events, spread across various locations in and around the town.
A trip to Italy is, of course, appealing not least for its culinary aspects. Beyond the mentioned Fish and Chips Festival, Barga’s cuisine is heavily influenced by the Garfagnana region–the mountainous area where the town is located. Traditional specialties include spelt and chestnut soups, Polenta di Neccio (polenta made from chestnut flour), and artisanal sausages, such as the region’s typical Prosciutto Bazzone: an air-dried ham with a protected designation of origin.