Back to the Terrazza Petroni, which is the entrance to the river park trails, included also canoeing or kayaking ones for the enthusiasts, we continue our ride to the next stop on the mighty riverbanks. The work may go unnoticed by most, intent on admiring the rows of poplars and small natural forests on one side, the willows along the river where egrets, herons and wild ducks nest, the pattern of villas and small parishes on the hills.

Unlike other cities, the center of Lucca has developed away from Serchio River. The embankments represent a major 19th-century work by architect Nottolini built expressly to strengthen the city's defense against the river's exuberance. The layout along the course of the Serchio on the north side is instead the work of Bishop San Frediano (5th century).

The layout of the river course on the north side of the city, where we are, is the work in the 5th century of Bishop Frediano. The construction of the embankments by the architect Nottolini, in the 18th. Thanks to him we can enjoy this scenic route in a section that overlaps with the Via Francigena, crossing a modern cycle/pedestrian bridge that can be an opportunity for some beautiful shots of the Serchio and the hills or a brief stop on the riverbed. Remaining on the left bank, we can reach Ponte San Pietro where the ring of the river park closes. Here we can make a stop at the urban farm of the Albogatti or continue along the riverbank. We approach then the narrow passage of Ripafratta, on the border between Pisa and Lucca, once a animated scene of clashes and brawls, as evidenced by the two fortresses, Nozzano (belonging to Lucca, on our right) and Ripafratta (belonging to Pisa, on the left) facing each other.