Monte San Quirico: Church Art and Trails Along the Serchio

Monte San Quirico combines a long history of churches with culture and nature along the Serchio. This gives you different aspects to focus on as you plan your trip: art and historic sites on the one hand, and trails through the river landscape and activities on the water on the other. These distinctive themes can be explored separately and compared with one another.

Church History, Art and Villas

The parish church of San Quirico in Monte San Quirico is mentioned as early as a document from 788. Its present-day appearance no longer preserves its medieval character: renovations in the 19th century erased it. The church contains a large painted crucifix attributed to Taddeo Gaddi. Its historical significance therefore spans from an early documentary reference to an important work of art.

A traditional festival is also part of the town’s history. It has been celebrated for centuries on the first Sunday of Lent. Today’s Capuchin monastery is the latest in a long line of monasteries that housed the Confraternity of Lucca. It was established by converting Villa Cotenna, acquired in 1885. The complex includes a church dedicated to Saint Mary of the Assumption.

The Cappella della Villa Buonvisi-Spada houses the only complete cycle of frescoes on the legend of Lucca’s Volto Santo to have survived to this day. The frescoes date to around 1580; their attribution to Agostino Ghirlanda is considered tentative. The approximate dating and cautious attribution are two distinct pieces of information: the first gives a timeframe, while the second names a possible artist.

Another historical landmark is Villa Paolina Bonaparte: Paolina Bonaparte lived there from 1822 to 1825. The villa’s park offers views of the Apuan Alps and the walled city of Lucca. At the Fattoria degli Albogatti, meanwhile, community gardens connect agricultural themes with the history of Lucca’s silk production. There, among mulberry trees and cocoons, you can learn about its agricultural foundations.

Trails and Landscape Along the Serchio

The Serchio River Park can be accessed via the Petroni Terrace near the San Quirico Bridge. From the park entrance, an 11-kilometre circular route leads on foot or by bicycle to the San Pietro Bridge; the return leg follows the river’s right bank back to the starting point. The 11-kilometre loop gives you a clear framework for planning your walking or cycling trip.

The park crosses an agricultural landscape of grain fields and poplars. Rare plant species that have disappeared elsewhere grow along the river. The Serchio River Park also includes an ecological corridor designated as a protected zone between mountain areas and the coast. It provides wildlife with areas for shelter, foraging and breeding. Cultivated landscapes and protected habitats thus coexist in the same river area.

Part of the park trail overlaps with the Puccini Cycling and Walking Route, dedicated to the composer from Lucca. It runs from Celle di Pescaglia to Torre del Lago on Lake Massaciuccoli. The Puccini Route and the 11-kilometre loop are different trails that overlap only in part.

Activities Throughout the Year

In the Serchio River Park, you can kayak year-round along long, calm stretches of river downstream toward the sea. On the park’s right-hand side, there is also access to a riverbank area referred to as a “beach,” where you can cool off in the river’s refreshing water in summer. These two options differ by season: kayaking is described as a year-round activity, while cooling off at the riverbank is specifically mentioned for summer.

Other facilities and leisure activities also shape the park: a skate area is located in the section close to town, and the park has an equestrian centre. There is also “tiro della forma,” an old game of skill in which wheels of cheese are thrown. The River Festival takes place every September and includes games, food and concerts. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific dates in advance.

This gives you a clear thematic contrast when choosing your destination: the churches, frescoes and villas offer an insight into the history and art of Monte San Quirico, while the Serchio River Park combines an agricultural landscape with trails, nature and activities by the river. Which side interests you more can help determine the focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Cerasomma, San Pietro A Vico, Arsina, Chiatri, Piaggione, Aquilea, Balbano, Nozzano Castello

For the main travel overview: Lucca.