Penna di Lucchio

Lucchio (670 meters above sea level) is a little-known but very beautiful and fascinating town due to its having maintained in tact its original medieval structure. It’s an urban area “clinging” to a cliff, made up of tall, narrow houses very close to one another, surmounted by an antique fortress which, centuries ago, represented a strategic position for controlling the channels of communication to the valley floor. It is surrounded by high mountains, the vegetation of which is made up mainly of chestnut woods. The towns beginning dates as far back as the middle of the 1000s, and its history, if not its population, has always been associated with the fortress. The village is even now stamped by small streets passable only by foot, and after the abandon of the last 10 years due to its location and the lack of land, is slowly coming back to life Still today it remains dominated by the ruins of its castle, dating back to the 11th century. The ruins are easily visited, and don’t miss out on the steep city walls along the Lima torrent and panorama.

Following the signs for Croce a Veglia the road becomes a dirt road, which during the dry season is travelable by any type of medium-height car, and is excellent for climbing up on a mountain bike. The road, uphill through a hundred-year-old chestnut wood, takes you to the border between the town of Pescia and the territory of Svizzera Pesciatina.  Having reached the Passo Croce a Veglia, the view unexpectedly changes - from woods to green meadows cured by the few remaining families with their herds of sheep and cows at pasture, which render the view truly similar to that of Switzerland.

From the pass you can travel down to the left toward the asphalt road and the Castella della Svizzera Pesciatina, or continue the climb up the dirt road - from this point the road becomes passable only by appropriate cars, or is perfect for a ride on a mountain bike - passing shepherds’ homes, where cheeses and ricottas can be purchased, and the crest offering an expansive view of the Luccese plains and the peaks of the Apuane Alps can be reached.

Just before arriving at the crest you can change your route, leaving car and bicycle behind and continuing on by foot taking on the climb toward the Penna di Lucchio cliff.
With the yellow stakes of the gas line in sight, you can see the south walls of the Penna distinguished by its grassy canals intersecting the rock which they make look as if cut into slices.

Before you lies a beech wood forest marked by running rain waters at the south; from there climbing sideways following the bare spots and tracks, you can reach the peak in 30 minutes. From on high, a unique panorama and encounter draws you near to the Poiane (buzzards) nesting along the summit.

Continuing along the road toward the woods, between flowered fields and fresh fountains, you come upon Il Rifugio Uso di Sotto, a precious stopping place for a well-deserved break.