Lucca Trek - South

The Oltreserchio

A pleasant countryside dotted with hills that are home to villages and ancient buildings

Nestled between the city of Lucca and the province of Pisa, the Oltreserchio is a land that is a prelude to the contiguous Media Valle del Serchio as regards nature and biodiversity, rich in greenery but also in historical and religious treasures unexpected. It rises on the right bank of the third longest river in Tuscany, the homonymous Serchio, hosting castles, charterhouses and buildings of particular value, as well as offering some pleasant walks in the greenery and panoramic excursions during which you can also glimpse the peaks of the Apuan Alps and the Ligurian Sea.

Nozzano with its perfectly preserved castle, the small but charming village of Chiatri immersed in the hills dear to the great Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, the Charterhouse of Farneta, the immense monastery embraced by lush woods behind it, are just some of the precious gems of this area waiting to be discovered on a day trip or as an unmissable stop on longer itineraries towards the Lucca area.

Mount Pisano

A small mountain range rich in biodiversity and breathtaking views

With its alternating green forests and rugged, rugged landscapes, Monte Pisano stands like a natural sentinel between the coastal plain and the hinterland. This small mountain range, steeped in history and surrounded by pristine beauty, offers a unique experience for those wishing to immerse themselves in nature just a few kilometers from Lucca's historic center.

A mountain range forming part of the Tuscan Sub-Apennines, Monte Pisano, otherwise known by the plural name Monti Pisani, is crisscrossed by an extensive network of trails that allow you to enjoy natural views stretching all the way to the sea, for days spent outdoors trekking and mountain biking.

With the summit of the Mount Serra It reaches its maximum altitude just above 900 m above sea level, a modest altitude but perfect for small but great backpacking or two-wheeled adventures. Among its attractions is the Dante's Passage with the bust of the Supreme Poet and Mount Cotrozzi and its rock carvings. Not only nature, the Monte Pisano area also encompasses ancient villages, from Compitese to Vorno with its villas and historic homes in Gattaiola and Vicopelago.

The road of the aqueducts

Along the ancient routes that fed Lucca and its plain

A fascinating walking route near Lucca just over 20 km long, a journey through centuries-old history of the walled city and the majesty of engineering from the late 500th to the early 800th century. This unique itinerary winds through enchanting landscapes such as the Parole d'Oro site, offering hikers an unforgettable experience that combines architecture, history and natural beauty.

It is so called because it follows the tracks of theNottolini Aqueduct of Lucca, built by the engineer from whom it takes its name on the initiative of the Duchess Maria Luisa of Bourbon, and the oldest Medici aqueduct of Pisa, thus connecting the Lucca area to that of the leaning tower.

Perfectly preserved, the Lucca aqueduct drew water from the springs that flowed from the nearby hills of Serra Vespaiata and from the streams of Rio San Quirico and Rio della Valle.

No longer in operation, these spectacular water systems Dating back to different periods, they offer the opportunity to walk through history while discovering the beautiful landscapes of the Tuscan countryside.

Between Castles and Fortifications

Ancient evidence in the borderland between the Republics of Lucca and Pisa

Immersed in a suggestive natural setting at the gates of Lucca, on the border between two historic cities, a land of ancient rivalries, ancient fortifications stand out among the hills or make their way through the vegetation, which are not only witnesses of a thousand-year history, but also majestic architectural icons embraced by the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Post in defense of their respective historical republics, there are numerous towers and fortresses scattered across the hills, built with the aim of controlling the territory. The evocative Nozzano Castle, an outpost built on the south-western border to counter attacks from Pisa, in particular from Ripafratta, a fortified village of medieval origin overlooking the Serchio, is one of the best preserved examples.

In the woods and on the slopes of Monte Pisano you can discover the fascinating ruins of Castelpasserino, a stronghold destroyed during the Middle Ages, and the Eagle Tower or Sawn-off tower.

Puccini River and Cycle/Pedestrian Park

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.

Romanesque Itinerary

Step by step through the Romanesque cultural heritage

Thanks to the itineraries mapped and enhanced by the Itinera Romanica + project, it is possible to follow ancient paths that lead to the discovery of the heritage Romanesque Minor churches spread throughout the territory. Parish churches, monasteries, hermitages, the parish church of Sant'Andrea in Gattaiola, the parish church of Santo Stefano Protomartire in Pozzuolo, the church of Sant'Andrea in Meati, the Spelonca Hermitage, and other sacred buildings stood in isolated locations, often on high ground, from which it was possible to maintain a visual overview of the territory. This decentralized location proved "central" both as a reference point for spiritual life and for military strategic purposes; and it was also dictated by the need to maximize the natural resources (stone, wood, water) of vast domains.

The same pilgrimage routes led to places of particular devotion, often decreeing their fortune. Frequently the sacred buildings located in the vicinity of these routes were subjected to Middle Ages a particular development: born as small chapels, they were then enlarged and enriched with rooms intended to welcome pilgrims, thus configuring themselves as stops – for rest and refreshment, both material and spiritual – on the pilgrimage.

For more information: https://turismo.lucca.it/luoghi/lucca/2000-anni-di-storia-e-arte/arte-ronica-a-lucca/

The southern variant of the Via Francigena

Where the European highway meets the city, a crossroads of travellers and paths

Crossroads of paths, the city of the Holy Face has always been an essential stop for pilgrims and wayfarers who over the centuries have travelled the path of the Via FrancigenaFrom Versilia and the Apuan Alps, crossing the Freddana Valley, the ancient route approaches Lucca until it meets the Ponte San Pietro bridge on the Serchio River, from which you quickly reach the "city of a hundred churches", which is accessed through the ancient Porta San Donato.

The historic centre of Lucca, enclosed within its sixteenth-century walls, is a treasure chest; the precious Holy Face, a very ancient wooden crucifix, which tradition says was sculpted by Nicodemus based on the real face of Jesus.

The Francigena route continues eastward along the villages of the Lucca plain. The pleasant Southern Variant which winds along the more than 3 kilometers of imposing arches and fountains, along the arches of the monumental aqueduct designed in 1822, and which then branches off towards the reliefs of Monte Pisano.

STAGES
Camaiore > Lucca 24 km
Lucca > Altopascio 19 km
Southern Variant 30 km

For more information: https://turismo.lucca.it/luoghi/i-cammini-di-lucca/la-via-francigena/

The path of San Jacopo

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

For more information: https://turismo.lucca.it/luoghi/i-cammini-di-lucca/cammino-di-san-jacopo/

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 local farmers due to 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

For more information: https://turismo.lucca.it/luoghi/i-cammini-di-lucca/cammino-di-santa-giulia/