Loppeglia

Loppeglia reveals itself through its historic settlement pattern, which is still visible in the townscape. The town developed around a religious center shaped by Santa Maria. Villa Malpighi also has a strong influence on the townscape. The agricultural surroundings of Fiano and Loppeglia include terraces that are historically connected to the settlements. They extend the view from the built townscape to the shaped landscape. In this way, the settlement structure, sacred architecture, and landscape stand alongside one another as different aspects of local history.

Santa Maria Assunta and its construction phases

Santa Maria Assunta offers several specific points of reference for exploring its construction history. In the 18th century, a chapel was added to the church, which was also used for burials. Ancient masonry made of roughly hewn stone blocks survives on the façade. The single-nave interior reflects the restoration and enlargement of 1823. August 15 is the feast day of Santa Maria Assunta in Loppeglia. The term “single-nave” describes an interior with one main nave; this makes it possible to distinguish the layout from the separately added chapel.

Villa Malpighi in the townscape

Villa Malpighi has a strong influence on the townscape. Its façade features a portico with four arches; inside, the villa is decorated with frescoes dated to 1594. A portico is a covered entrance hall; the four arches articulate this feature on the façade. In front of the façade, an extension of the wall also survives, ending in two small towers with recognizable defensive functions. Benedetto Varchi was hosted at the villa. The portico and frescoes belong to the building; the wall with its small towers forms a separate architectural feature in front of it.

A watermill in the surrounding area

In the vicinity of Loppeglia, in the locality of Menicone, stands the Molino Menicone, a 17th-century watermill. Its original working interior structures have been preserved. As a watermill, it complements the view of church and villa architecture with a historic functional building.

Cultural highlights

Another cultural focus is the municipal library Casa delle Idee in Fiano-Loppeglia, a cultural center for adults and children. Its services include reading and on-site consultation, local and international interlibrary loans, and a digital library. They also include assistance with bibliographic and internet research, an internet workstation, printing facilities, the Nati per Leggere program, homework assistance, and access to the historical archive. The institution thus combines reading and research services with digital resources and learning support.

Historic routes and cycling route

Fiano and Loppeglia lie on the historic regional route that connected the Valfreddana with the Pedogna Valley. The history of these places is therefore also part of an earlier connection between two valleys. A cycling route described in the 2024 municipal route guide reaches Fiano-Loppeglia via an ascent of about 3 km. If you plan to ride this route, check current route conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Piegaio Basso, San Martino In Freddana, Fondagno, Piegaio Alto, Fiano Pescaglia, Celle, Gello, Colognora

For the broader travel overview: Pescaglia.