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.