Monte A Pescia: Churches, Art and Historic Routes

Monte A Pescia is an ancient hilltop village at an altitude of 319 metres, overlooking the valley of the Pescia River. At the top of the hill stands the Romanesque parish church of Saints Bartholomew and Andrew. Church art, early local history and different routes give a trip to the village several clearly distinct points of focus.

Churches, Art and Local History

The parish church of Saints Bartholomew and Andrew appears as early as 1260 in the Lucca tax assessment register. This mention provides an early historical reference for the village; the Romanesque style also places the parish church in an architectural context. The main altar holds a reliquary containing a Holy Thorn. A reliquary is a container for a relic.

The Church of San Bartolomeo in Monte A Pescia houses a polychrome glazed terracotta statue of its patron saint, attributed to Luca della Robbia the Younger. Terracotta refers to the material; glazing and polychromy describe the work’s finish. The tomb of the composer Giovanni Pacini is in the chapel of the Compagnia dell’Opera di San Bartolomeo e Andrea. The cultural focus thus ranges from sacred architecture and religious objects to terracotta art and music history.

Location and Historical Significance

The village’s location also has a historical dimension. Monte A Pescia occupied a strategic position: a possible advance against the fortress of Bareglia could be spotted in time to prevent an attack. Along with the view over the Pescia Valley, this defensive role is a distinct aspect of the village’s history. The elevation therefore describes not only the location of the hilltop village but also helps explain its historical significance.

Routes and Guided Excursion

CAI Trail 251A leads from the Church of Santo Stefano in Pescia via Cafaggio and Barignano to Monte A Pescia. The Via della Fiaba is described as an old path and mule track from Pescia to Collodi, marked with white-and-red CAI 51 blazes. The routes have different destinations: CAI Trail 251A leads to Monte A Pescia, while the Via della Fiaba leads to Collodi.

A guided walk to Monte A Pescia follows the old mule track and is led by an ASC guide. Allow 1 hour and 15 minutes for the guided excursion; the duration may vary depending on the itinerary. Check the time required in advance if you are including it in your day’s plans. When comparing the options, the main differences are the route’s named intermediate places on the CAI trail, the guide on the walk, and the Via della Fiaba’s different destination.

Visiting and Getting There

Monte A Pescia is accessible by car. The Church of Saints Bartholomew and Andrew can be visited by car, with advance reservation. Arrange your reservation before setting out.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pietrabuona, San Quirico, Vellano, Aramo, Collodi, Castelvecchio, Fibbialla, Sorana

For the main travel overview: Pescia.