Routes through the nature and landscapes of the Lucca area

Valfreddana

In the heart of the countryside just outside Lucca, amidst medieval ruins, historic churches and unspoilt views.
 

Along the valley created by the river Freddana that stretches north-west of Lucca, you can find a variety of fascinating evidence of times gone by, starting with the ancient route of the Via Francigena, which intersects the valley in Piazzano and ends at 27th leg in Lucca. The vegetation covering the hills conceals attractions worth seeking out, such as the ruins of the ancient castle of Castagnori, dating back to medieval times.

At the top of Montecatino instead stand the remains of the Church of Santa Maria Annunziata featuring a beautiful bell-tower. The valley also hosts the passage of the Cammino dei Luoghi di Catarsini (Way of Catarsini's Places), along which there are exhibition spaces dedicated to the local artist from Versilia and places that inspired his works, such as the Church of San Martino in Freddana and the Church of Castagnori.
 

The tour continues with San Martino in Vignale, a place of worship linked to the memory of Fratel Arturo Paoli, a figure of reference for the community who rests in the cemetery near the church rectory; furthermore, along the Via Francigena, you can experience the stunning views from the Passo di Gavine, located between Valfreddana and l’Oltresechio. Also worth a visit 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.