Discover Lorenzana: History and Heritage

If you’re choosing a destination with historic architecture, sacred art, and landscape in mind, Lorenzana offers several perspectives. Villa Giuli brings together architecture and garden spaces; churches and chapels add religious dimensions, while archaeological finds and works of art provide further historical connections. These themes complement one another, but each tells its own story.

Villa Giuli and its Gardens

In the historic center are Villa Giuli and its park, which are of particular historical, architectural, and functional value. The villa has an elongated shape and follows the ridge on which it stands in some places. Both its architectural form and its position along the ridge are defining features of the estate. The park includes old trees and two gardens facing in different directions: the rose garden lies east of the villa, and the hanging palm garden to the west. When viewing the ensemble, the building, terrain, and garden spaces can therefore be considered as distinct aspects.

Churches and Chapels

San Bartolomeo Apostolo in Lorenzana is classified as a pievania. Another sacred site in the town’s history is the Chiesino Giuli chapel in Palazzo Sgrilli. It is now deconsecrated and belongs to the municipality; check locally before visiting to find out whether access is possible. The chapel once contained a valuable painting of the Descent from the Cross. The Pisan painter Marianini created the work in the second half of the 19th century. Separate from this is the Lorenzani family chapel, dedicated to Saint Peter of Alcantara. These different ecclesiastical connections offer a sense of Lorenzana’s religious history, while making clear that the chapels do not share the same function or history.

Historical Traces and Art

Lorenzana Castle was destroyed by the Florentines in the 15th century. During excavations for foundations at the former site, a halberd, pikes, a ring, and iron balls were unearthed; they are considered evidence of the former castle. A terracotta plaque depicting the risen Christ is set into the Fontina del Cimitero. It was created in 1986 by Angela Gatti Pellegrini, a painter, writer, and sculptor. Another historical reference is a plaque installed in Lorenzana in 1877, which listed conversions between the old Pisan units of measurement and the metric decimal units introduced at the time. Taken together, these traces represent different subjects—from the history of the castle and religious art to the transition between systems of measurement.

Landscape and Hiking Plans

The location of the municipality of Crespina Lorenzana offers views across the entire profile of the Livornese Hills. The Cammino d'Etruria Pisa–Volterra is also relevant when planning a hike: Lorenzana is listed as one of the villages along the route. The route is currently under review. GPX tracks and further information about using the trail are to be published once the review is complete. Check the project page before planning a hike. This lets you distinguish the municipality’s landscape from practical information about using the trail and plan your trip accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Castellina Marittima, Lari, Vicopisano, Capannoli, Molino d'Egola, Ponte A Elsa, Santa Colomba, Santa Maria A Monte

For the main travel overview: Pisa.