The path of Santa Giulia

The lands of Lucca, a crossing point for the northern plains

History, spirituality and nature merge in this evocative itinerary of the transport of the relics of Saint Julia which took place at the time of the Lombards. A total of 25 stages cross three regions and involve the most evocative and richest lands of Lucca. historical and religious testimonies.

Travelling along the roads and paths of the Cammino di Santa Giulia, one can appreciate ancient churches, monasteries and Romanesque parish churches of great charm, all dedicated to the martyr. Starting in the Livorno area, the itinerary passes through the Lucca countryside and the slopes of Monte Pisano, runs along the Rio San Quirico, the itinerary crosses the Lucca countryside and the slopes of Monte Pisano, runs along the Rio San Quirico, crosses the fabulous site at Golden Words, so called by the local farmers for a gold-coloured inscription placed on one of the characteristic little bridges, and then flanking the majestic Nottolini Aqueduct.

After crossing the city ​​of Lucca and its treasures and having immersed himself in the nature of the river park of the Serchio, the itinerary turns towards the Apennine ridge with more challenging paths, following ancient routes that connected the Lucca area with the north of the peninsula.

STAGES
Buti > Lucca 24 km
Lucca > Pizzorne Plateau 21 km

The Way of St. James

The Saint's journey through the gates of Lucca and ancient Roman routes

The Jacobean Way from Florence to Lucca is divided into ancient Roman routes of the Via Cassia and the Via Aemilia Scauri. With the city of Pistoia at its centre, called the “Santiago minor” because of the relic of the Apostle James kept there since 1145 AD, before reaching Lucca the route meets the Church of San Cassiano in Vico from the 8th century, a building renovated several times until reaching its current elegant 18th century design.

The route continues in the Acquacalda area, where it runs alongside the canal that fed the industrial facilities of the late 800th century, an industrious past of which traces can still be found in this area today. The canal is found in the historic center of Lucca in Fosso Street and already in the Middle Ages it supplied energy to the city's factories.

Meeting the cycle/pedestrian path, the route runs along the Serchio river until reaching the city walls at San Jacopo gate, which preserves evidence of the cult of the apostle. From Lucca, the route continued towards the sea, where pilgrims could embark for Spain and Santiago de Compostela.

STAGES
Pescia > Lucca 25 km
Lucca > Pisa 29 km

Puccini River Park and Cycle/Pedestrian Path

A long protected path, suspended between the natural environment of the river and the history of the city

The Puccini cycle/pedestrian path, a superb itinerary that extends for approximately 45 kilometres along the Serchio River, can be explored by bicycle or on foot among the magnificent colours and undulating landscapes of the river banks and the places linked to the great Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, born in Lucca in 1858.

The trail winds through the natural and agricultural landscapes of the river park, an area of ​​approximately 250 hectares used for outdoor activities of all kinds, from trekking to kayaking, to simply relaxing along the river.

The route connects the middle Serchio Valley, where the famous Maestro's family originated, to Versilia, the place Puccini would later choose as his buen retiro. It passes through Lucca, where the museum and birthplace are housed on the second floor of an ancient palazzo in the historic heart of the city of music. More specifically, the route begins in Ponte a Moriano, passes through some of Lucca's most picturesque countryside, and ends near Lake Massaciuccoli, a tranquil landscape that was a major source of inspiration for Puccini.

The Morianese

Between history and excellent food and wine, discover historic villages, ancient castles, and evocative landscapes.

North of the city of Lucca, lush hills shape the landscape. The picturesque Moriano hills hold numerous historical gems and offer local products that create unmissable culinary experiences. They are renowned for the production of excellent wines and extra virgin olive oils, obtained from vineyards and olive groves that benefit from an ideal climate and centuries-old agricultural traditions.

The ancient town of Aquilea is dominated by an imposing medieval fortress, the Castellaccio, and has been officially named the Town of Soup, a recognition that celebrates the local cuisine based on authentic local ingredients. The Moriano hills are also enriched with history and beauty by the villages of Gugliano, Mastiano, and Mammoli, where the evocative Oratory of San Ginese, perched on a hill, overlooks the splendid surroundings.

Beyond the Serchio River, Palmata is nestled in the countryside. Its ancient mill, a rare example of rural architecture, offers a valuable insight into traditional grain milling techniques. The view of the surrounding hills from the Convento dell'Angelo, commissioned by Duke Charles Louis of Bourbon and designed in the 19th century by renowned architect Lorenzo Nottolini, is breathtaking. The area's focal point is Ponte a Moriano, a lively hamlet with numerous commercial and cultural activities.

Romanesque Itinerary +

Step by step through the Romanesque cultural heritage

Thanks to the itineraries mapped and promoted by the Itinera Romanica + project, you can follow paths that lead to the discovery of the minor Romanesque heritage spread throughout the region. The journey cannot ignore the significant remains found in northwestern Tuscany, more specifically the area that descends from Versilia, crossing the Brancoleria, towards the Lucca plain.

The Via Francigena also provided a strong impetus to the development of important towns and numerous places of worship along these routes. Precisely for this reason, Alta Versilia, Brancoleria, and the Lucca area are rich in parish churches characterized by Romanesque origins and styles. One example is the Parish Church of San Giorgio a Brancoli, located between the hills leading to the Pizzorne plateau and the final stretches of the Serchio Valley: the imposing bell tower stands sentinel over the building, with its medieval architectural features; while the three naves house the splendid Ambo depicting Madilde di Canossa, the richly decorated Baptismal Font, and the glazed terracotta attributed to Della Robbia.

Not far away, in the same direction, is the small church of San Lorenzo, built in the 12th century, which is striking for its unusual bell tower set on an arch used as a passageway. The Pieve di Santo Stefano, in the same century, in the town of the same name a few kilometers from Lucca, dominates the hills covered in vineyards, olive groves, and woods.

The Brancoleria

Architectural and religious treasures among the Lucca hills that tell the story of centuries of history and faith.

This picturesque sub-mountainous area extends further north than the Moriano area; rich in history and culture, it boasts numerous religious buildings of great historical and artistic value. The Parish Church of San Giorgio di Brancoli, consecrated by Pope Alexander II in 1062, is one of the most important buildings in the area. Situated in a panoramic location, this Romanesque church is characterized by its austere architecture and the numerous decorations in its three internal naves. Even more scenic is the Croce di Brancoli, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, making it an ideal place for picturesque walks.

Piazza di Brancoli is one of the small hamlets in this part of the Lucca province, a gathering place for the community and a starting point for exploring the many churches in the area. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its simple façade and ornate interior, is another example of local devotion. Not far away, the Church of San Pietro di Ombreglio stands out for its ancient historical origins and the tranquil atmosphere that surrounds it. The Church of San Lorenzo in Corte is also a small and simple parish church; legend has it that some of the stones used for its construction came from other religious buildings.

Examples of the rich panorama of religious buildings, each with its own architectural and historical peculiarities, which contribute to making Brancoleria an unmissable destination for lovers of history, art, and spirituality.

The Valfreddana

An immersion in nature just outside Lucca, among medieval ruins, historic churches, and pristine views.

Along the valley created by the Freddana River, which extends northwest of Lucca, you can discover numerous fascinating testimonies of times gone by, starting with the ancient route of the Via Francigena, which enters the area at Piazzano and ends in stage 27 in Lucca.

The vegetation covering the hills conceals attractions waiting to be discovered, such as the ruins of the ancient medieval Castagnori Castle. At the summit of Montecatino stand the remains of the Church of Santa Maria Annunziata, characterized by its evocative bell tower. The valley also hosts the Cammino dei Luoghi di Catarsini (Catarsini's Places Trail), along which there are exhibition spaces dedicated to the Versilian artist and places that inspired his works, such as the Church of San Martino in Freddana and the Church of Castagnori.

The discovery continues with San Martino in Vignale, a place of worship linked to the memory of Brother Arturo Paoli, a key figure in the community, who rests in the cemetery near the church rectory. Alternatively, you can reach the Gavine Pass, which straddles the Valfreddana and Oltreserchio valleys and offers a breathtaking panorama. Also noteworthy are the churches of Piazzano, San Tommaso a Vecoli, San Macario in Monte, the Pieve di Santo Stefano, and the Church of Mutigliano, buildings that bear witness to the area's rich religious tradition.

The Matilda of the Holy Face

An ancient path through spectacular Tuscan peaks and lush valleys, leading to the legendary crucifix housed in Lucca's cathedral.

Walking from Mantua to Lucca, in the lands of Matilda of Canossa, a journey to the Holy Face, the wooden statue dating back to the 7th century AD, known as the "Black Christ of the Lucchese," which has always been housed in the Cathedral of San Martino in Lucca, the final stop on the itinerary. This ancient route, traversed over the centuries by soldiers, pilgrims, and wayfarers, overlooks Tuscany, immersed in the nature of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park.

Step by step, from the Apennine mountains, the route winds toward the Garfagnana and the Serchio Valley, passing imposing castles, medieval villages, Romanesque churches, and "diabolical" bridges. The route then follows the Serchio River for much of its length, crossing Ponte a Moriano and then reaching Lucca, amidst historical sites and works of art of great value. The approximately 100 km of its Tuscan stretch leads to the heart of the city and to one of the oldest and most venerated wooden crucifixes.

stage
Borgo a Mozzano > Lucca
Length: 31 km

The Gothic Line and the memory of Brancoli

Testimonies of war and memories of peace, a journey along the fortifications of the Second World War and the stories of local communities.

A defensive axis created by German forces during the Second World War to slow the Allied advance towards northern Italy, the Gothic Line ran along the Apennines, also affecting the area of ​​San Giusto di Brancoli, where trenches and bunkers still stand as evidence of the defensive works that were built.

The fighting along the Gothic Line was among the fiercest of the Italian campaign, involving thousands of soldiers and civilians. The Brancoli Memorial Museum, located in the small village of the same name, is a touching tribute to the events and people involved in these battles.

Opened in 2022 and housed in the rectory next to the Church of San Giusto di Brancoli, it collects testimonies, artifacts, and documents that tell the story of the war, with a particular focus on local events and the sacrifices of communities. Through its exhibitions, the museum preserves historical memory and promotes reflection on peace and reconciliation.