Pieve Di Brancoli: Churches and Routes to the Cross

When visiting Pieve Di Brancoli, the focus is on Romanesque churches and the routes to the Brancoli Cross. The Pieve di San Giorgio combines a history dating back to 1097 with the mysterious “Brancolino” relief on its south portal. The Brancoleria area has more churches and hiking descriptions to explore. You can focus on churches, hiking routes, or a combination of both.

Getting there and guided tours

From Lucca, take the SS 12 towards Bagni di Lucca as far as Vinchiana, then follow the signs to Piazza di Brancoli. You can book guided tours of the Pieve di Brancoli by phone at +39 328/5331903 or by email at pievedibrancoli@gmail.com.

Hiking through the Brancoleria

A CAI route description for a hike dated January 6, 2025, leads uphill for about 2.5 kilometers behind the Pieve di Brancoli to the Brancoli Cross. Most of the route follows a road suitable for vehicles; a short forest path at the end is optional. Trail and surface conditions can vary. Check conditions before setting out if you plan to follow this route.

A circular hiking route description published in 2026 for the Brancoleria gives a distance of 10 kilometers, 350 meters of ascent and a moderate difficulty level. The route figures refer to different distances: about 2.5 kilometers for the climb behind the Pieve to the Cross, and 10 kilometers for the circular hike described. A hike description published in 2026 follows olive groves and centuries-old chestnut forests to the Cross, which offers panoramic views. A circular hike described in another account published in 2026 ends with a final visit to the Pieve.

Brancoli Cross: views and history

The Brancoli Cross stands on a projecting ridge overlooking the Serchio Valley and the plain of Lucca. From there, a 360-degree panorama takes in the plain of Lucca, the Monti Pisani, the Apennines and the southern Apuan Alps. On a clear day, islands of the Tuscan Archipelago may also be visible. The panorama therefore depends on visibility. The Cross is also the highest point on the circular route to the Romanesque parish churches of the Brancoleria. The 18.40-meter-high Cross was inaugurated on August 23, 1958.

The path from the Pieve di San Giorgio in Brancoli to the Cross passes Stations of the Cross and runs alongside wartime trenches and communication trenches. These are associated with the so-called “Gothic Line.” Thus, religious stations and traces of wartime history are among the specific features of this route.

Romanesque churches and reliefs

The Pieve di San Giorgio in Brancoli was elevated to the rank of a parish church in 1097. The lintel of the south-facing portal bears the mysterious relief of the figure known as “Brancolino.” The church is also an important stop on the Itinera Romanica routes. Its scenic location on gentle slopes leading to the high plateau of the Pizzorne adds a landscape perspective to its history.

Other churches in the Brancoleria also have distinctive architectural features. The small Romanesque church of San Lorenzo in Corte lies on the road from Vinchiana to the Pieve di Brancoli. The façade and portal of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Piazza di Brancoli feature pre-Romanesque bas-reliefs. Inside, Sant’Ilario in Brancoli has preserved almost completely its original appearance from the 7th century. These different details offer several specific points of interest if you are interested in the churches of the Brancoleria as well as the Pieve di San Giorgio.

Discover more destinations: Montuolo, Ciciana, Monsagrati, Cerasomma, San Lorenzo A Vaccoli, Mastiano, Piaggione, Arsina

For the main travel overview: Lucca.