Pedona: Castle History, Trails and Views

Pedona lies in the hills above Camaiore at an altitude of 309 metres. The view stretches across the Versilia plain to the sea; on clear days, the horizon extends from Livorno to La Spezia. The village thus combines expansive views of the landscape with a clearly visible history. If you choose Pedona as your destination, you can make the village’s history, landscape and named trails distinct focal points of your stay.

The Castle Ring and Visible Traces

Pedona’s ring-shaped layout dates back to the 11th-century castle of the Nobili Flammi. The castle had a round tower and massive walls. Between the 11th and 12th centuries, Pedona was also part of a ring of castles that protected Camaiore. The castle shaped Pedona’s ring-shaped village layout; the castle ring protected Camaiore. Traces of the former walls and some original structures are visible in front of the village church.

Churches from Different Building Periods

Pedona’s original church was built in the 13th century. The Church of San Iacopo acquired its present appearance between 1923 and 1924. San Iacopo’s present appearance belongs to a later building period than Pedona’s original church.

Pedona’s church, dedicated to Saint Maurizio, was originally located inside the castle and was later rebuilt outside the walls. The Chapel of San Maurizio is listed as an auxiliary or filial chapel and as architectural cultural heritage.

Trails, Destinations and Changing Routes

The Monte Moneta–Capanne trail is an old mule track with scenic views. If you plan to hike it, check the trail conditions and markings in advance. From Pedona cemetery, the “Scesa” descends to Camaiore. Route 10 Camaiore–Pedona–Camaiore is part of the Camaiore Antiqua project to restore historic trails. The route descriptions have different points of emphasis: the Scesa names the cemetery as its starting point and Camaiore as its destination, while Route 10 includes Camaiore, Pedona and Camaiore again in its name.

FrancigenAmica is a recurring outdoor event organised by SEI Versilia ASD and the Municipality of Camaiore. It also includes trails from Camaiore Antiqua. The individual routes may vary from year to year. If you would like to include the event in your stay, consult the programme for the relevant edition.

Local Cheese Speciality and Restaurant Tip

Scoppolato di Pedona is considered a typical cheese speciality and a symbol of the village’s cheese-making tradition. A post from June 2022 described handmade-pasta Tordelli at the Il Soggiorno restaurant in Pedona. The two references have different points of emphasis: the cheese is associated with Pedona as a local speciality, while the Tordelli are linked to a specific restaurant. If you would like to follow this tip, check whether the restaurant is currently open before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Greppolungo, Torcigliano, Buchignano, Santa Lucia, Metato, Capezzano Pianore, Pontemazzori, Fibbialla

For the main travel guide: Camaiore.