Discover Matraia

Matraia can be approached for trip planning through three tangible themes: the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo, the slopes of the Pizzorne and two routes with different focuses. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay here, you can first consider whether church art, road cycling or the wine and olive oil route matters most to you.

Church and art in Matraia

The original church in Coviglia was built before the year 1000 under the name Sant’Angelo, referring to Saint Michael. The present-day Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo was probably built between 1071 and 1234. The three naves define the church interior; the furnishings are a separate feature. The church contains two 17th-century altars, a wooden sculpture of the Madonna and Child dating from around 1300, and a painting by Baccio Lomi. Above the main entrance is a metal statue of Saint Michael, made in 1957. For a culture-focused stay, the church therefore offers both an architectural feature and artworks from different periods, as well as a statue above the entrance.

Matraia on the slopes of the Pizzorne

Matraia lies on the slopes of the Pizzorne. On the BioGiro, Matraia is the highest point of the route, at 300 metres above sea level. The village is considered a hilltop viewpoint from which visitors can see the Piana di Lucca and Monte Pisano. The hillside setting, the high point on the road cycling route and the two named landscape destinations provide different points of reference for this landscape theme.

Two routes, different focuses

The BioGiro is a fully signposted road cycling route. It starts at the Villa Reale di Marlia and reaches Matraia after four kilometres. The starting point and route make its relevance to trip planning clear: Matraia is a stop on this road cycling route. If you would like to include road cycling in your stay, the designated route type and the route from the Villa Reale di Marlia to Matraia are the key details.

The Lucca, Montecarlo and Versilia Wine and Olive Oil Route has a different focus. It starts at the foot of the Pizzorne, crosses the plain of Lucca and then continues into the village of Matraia. Along the route, visitors can stop at local farms and agriturismi. The participating businesses produce wine and olive oil and offer guided tastings; because the participating businesses may change, it is best to check on a specific tasting offer in advance. Compared with the BioGiro, this route focuses on agricultural produce and possible tasting stops, rather than a signposted road cycling route.

Driving to the Altopiano delle Pizzorne

The Altopiano delle Pizzorne can be reached by car from Matraia. If you are planning this excursion, it is worth checking current road conditions before setting off, as they can change. When choosing a destination, you can weigh up different interests: the history and furnishings of the church, the BioGiro as a road cycling route, possible tastings along the wine and olive oil route, or the drive to the Altopiano delle Pizzorne.

Discover more destinations: Gragnano, Lappato, Corte Polito, San Leonardo In Treponzio, Valgiano, San Ginese Di Compito, S.Andrea In Caprile, San Gennaro

For the broader travel overview: Capannori.