Routes through the nature and landscapes of the Lucca area

The Via Francigena and the Variante Sud

Where the European Via Maestra meets the crossroads city of pilgrims and travellers.

A crossroads of paths, the city of the Holy Face has always been an essential stop for pilgrims and wayfarers who have travelled the Via Francigena over the centuries. From Versilia and the Apuane Alps, crossing the Freddana Valley, the ancient itinerary approaches Lucca until it meets the Ponte San Pietro bridge on the Serchio river, from which the 'city of a hundred churches' can be reached in a short time, passing through the ancient Porta San Donato.

The historical centre of Lucca, enclosed within its 16th-century walls, is a treasure chest; the Cathedral of San Martino houses the precious Volto Santo (Holy Face), a very ancient wooden crucifix, which tradition says was sculpted by Nicodemus based on the real face of Jesus.

The Francigena itinerary continues eastwards along the villages of the Piana di Lucca. It is also possible to walk along the pleasant Variante Sud that winds its way along the more than 3 kilometres of imposing arches and fountains, along the arches of the monumental aqueduct designed in 1822, and then branches off towards the reliefs of Monte Pisano.

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