Greppolungo – Castle, Rock Carvings and Hiking Trails

Greppolungo lies northwest of Camaiore on a rocky outcrop just over 330 metres above sea level. From here, you can enjoy wide-ranging views across the Camaiore Valley, which lies between the peaks of the Apuan Alps and the coast. Castle ruins, religious heritage, circular hikes and rock carvings give you specific points to consider when choosing your destination.

Castle and religious history

Greppolungo Castle is first mentioned in 1219 in a deed of joint ownership between the nobles of Corvaia and Vallecchia. Its partly buried remains lie about 150 metres south of the village, in an area cultivated with olive trees. Two fragments of wall have survived; the maximum surviving length is five metres. The figures refer to different aspects: 1219 is the date of the first mention, while five metres describes the maximum surviving length.

Sacred objects from S. Giuseppe a Greppolungo belonged to the original collection of the Museo d’Arte Sacra di Camaiore. The church in Greppolungo has a freestanding bell tower opposite it. Here, “freestanding” means that the tower is not attached to the church building but stands opposite it.

Hiking and rock carvings

The Greppolungo–La Culla–Roccia dei Pennati circular hike is part of the “Camaiore Antiqua” project, which includes 15 circular trekking routes. This number refers to the project as a whole. The starting point for this hike is the Greppolungo car park. From there, the route follows the Sentiero del Castellaccio to La Culla, then returns towards Greppolungo via Sentiero 107 and Sentiero di Soppenna. Check the route description, trail conditions and markings before setting out.

From Greppolungo, you can reach Roccia dei Pennati on foot via CAI trail 106 towards Monte Gabberi in about 45 to 60 minutes. The rock carvings at Roccia comprise 15 symbols, including twelve pennati, a hammer, a cup mark and a rectangular basin. Pennati are therefore the largest group among the motifs listed.

Different reference points can help with planning: the route via La Culla is laid out in a sequence of trails, while an approximate time frame is available for the walk to Roccia dei Pennati. This lets you compare the route and the timing separately.

Another circular hike is called Greppolungo–Monte Gabberi and starts and ends in Greppolungo.

Climbing approach

The approach to the Tomeoni climbing sector starts in Greppolungo, passes the church and continues along Via del Cavaticcio, then via a staircase and a forest path to the vicinity of the rock face. Check access and climbing conditions before setting out.

Pilastri di Greppolungo is designated as a climbing area on the hiking route.

Discover other destinations: Metato, Lido Di Camaiore, Orbicciano, Montemagno, Pontemazzori, Pedona, Gombitelli, Valpromaro Di Camaiore

For the main travel overview: Camaiore.