Sambuca between fortress history and the Via del Volto Santo

Sambuca brings together the history of a fortification and a landscape shaped by rugged volcanic rocks. Remains of the fortress have been preserved around the church; traces of two gates can be seen to the north and southeast of the village. Another focal point is the Via del Volto Santo, which passes through Sambuca and its church dedicated to Saint Pantaleon. This means that local history and hiking go hand in hand when planning a trip, while the rocks and gorge provide the geographical setting.

Sambuca’s fortress history

Sambuca’s fortification was mentioned in a register of fortresses and castles compiled by Paolo Guinigi in 1401. In the 15th century, Sambuca was described as one of the walled villages of the Este Garfagnana that were to be preserved as fortresses. The earlier date refers to the chapel: in the 1260 register of the Diocese of Lucca, Sambuca’s chapel was listed as belonging to the Pieve di Fosciana. The three dates provide a chronological overview but refer to different things: 1260 to the chapel, 1401 to the mention of the fortification, and the 15th century to Sambuca’s designation as a walled village.

San Pantaleone between the rocks and fortress remains

The church of San Pantaleone stands on rugged rocks and seems almost like an extension of the stone itself. The rocky promontory is also part of its setting: the Via del Volto Santo passes through Sambuca and its church, which stands on a rocky promontory and forms a unity with the rock. Together with the fortress remains preserved around the church, the building, its rocky setting and the history of the fortifications come into focus.

Gorge and railway bridge

A deep gorge shaped by the River Serchio separates the hill of Sambuca from Capriola del Poggio. The Villetta railway bridge crosses the gorge between Sambuca and Capriola del Poggio. In Villetta, traces of the masonry of an old fortress can be seen at the church of San Pantaleone. These are two separate local references: the masonry traces are at the church in Villetta, while fortress remains have been preserved around the church in Sambuca.

The Via del Volto Santo

The Via del Volto Santo can be understood both as a historic route and as a hiking trail. In the Middle Ages, it connected Pontremoli and Lucca. The route passes through Sambuca and its church of San Pantaleone. The stretch through the area from San Romano in Garfagnana to Villetta covers about 14.5 kilometres on paths and mule tracks. This distance refers to the route as far as Villetta, not to Sambuca alone. The section described presents no particular difficulties, but requires a good willingness to hike. The hike described crosses the Villetta railway bridge over the Serchio and offers views of the valley.

Discover more destinations: Villeta San Romano.

Return to the main travel overview: San Romano In Garfagnana.