Motrone: Medieval Village and Hiking Destinations

Motrone brings together several themes: the village’s medieval character, hikes to named destinations, and cultural landmarks. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between hikes starting in Motrone, a pilgrimage route through the village, and traces of its history. This will help you decide whether the landscape, a particular hiking destination, or the village’s history should take center stage for you.

Location and notable places

The medieval village sits on a high rocky cliff above the valley of the Turrite Cava stream. The ruins of Castello del Bucine are on a rocky outcrop above the stream. Motrone and the castle remains therefore represent two different rocky settings: here, the cliff above the valley; there, the outcrop above the stream. The Buca del Vasaio di Motrone is also near the village. The landscape ranges from the settlement high above the valley to the castle ruins and the cave near Motrone.

Hikes starting in Motrone

Motrone is considered a starting point for excursions to the Lavacchielli plateau, the Romitorio di San Ansano, and the Antro del Vasaio. The Antro del Vasaio is also known as the Buca del Vasaio di Motrone. A hiking trail from Motrone also leads to the Occhio di Lucca, the Torre del Bargiglio. This gives you several specific destinations to choose from: a plateau, a hermitage, a cave, or a tower. The different destination names can help you focus on either the landscape or cultural heritage, depending on your interests.

The French route of the Cammino di Assisi passes through Motrone. The hikes mentioned lead from Motrone to named destinations; the pilgrimage route, by contrast, is defined by its passage through the village. When planning your hike, you can choose between a trip to a specific destination and a route that passes through Motrone.

Medieval architecture and culture

At the entrances to the fortified medieval village are stone round-arched gates that served as defensive features. The parish church of San Giusto in Motrone was built as a fortress in 1260. The village’s military history is reflected in two different ways: in the gates at the village entrances and in the church’s original function. For travelers interested in architecture, this comparison makes the fortifications tangible both as a specific architectural feature and as part of the church’s history.

Giusto Grotta was born in Motrone on February 14, 1690, and joined the Capuchin order in early November 1709. He entered the order just under twenty years after his birth, placing these two biographical milestones in chronological context. Motrone is also home to a valuable Agati organ dating from 1864. It adds a nineteenth-century musical instrument to the religious and architectural themes; together, these cultural landmarks span medieval architectural history and later biographical and musical heritage.

Discover more destinations: Trassilico, Vallico di Sotto, Porcari, Pescaglia, Fabbriche Di Vallico, Bagni Di Lucca, Pugliano, Marlia

For the broader travel overview: Lucca.