Benabbio: Castle Ruins, Churches and Sacred Art

Benabbio is home to Castello Lupari, the Museo di Arte Sacra di Benabbio (MABe), several churches and the Via degli Oratori. The bus connection and parking options also provide practical points of reference for your stay.

Castello Lupari and the History of the Village

Castello Lupari survives as a ruin, with sections of wall still standing on a hill northeast of Benabbio. In the 13th century, the complex reached its greatest extent and became an important administrative centre controlling the entire Val di Lima. Its elevated location and the surviving sections of wall give the historic site a clearly recognisable presence, even though only parts of the original complex remain standing.

The MABe: Sacred Art at Three Locations

The Museo di Arte Sacra di Benabbio (MABe) developed from a collection of artistic and cultural-historical treasures assembled over the centuries by the parish of Santa Maria Assunta in Benabbio and other religious institutions connected with it in the surrounding area.

The MABe collection is spread across three main locations: the Oratorio della Santissima Trinità is the museum's headquarters, complemented by the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta and the Oratorio del Santissimo Sacramento. At present, the Museo di Arte Sacra di Benabbio can be visited by calling 3468298282 in advance. If you are planning a museum visit, making this advance call is therefore an essential part of your preparation.

Churches with Distinct Historical Traces

The Chiesa di S. Michele is located within the walls of the old castle of Benabbio and was built in 1218. The Chiesa di Santa Maria houses a wooden Annunciation group from the 14th century by Piero d’Angelo di Guarnerio, the father of Jacopo della Quercia. The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta in Benabbio was built in 1338.

Getting There and Finding Your Way Around

Bus route E44 connects Bagni di Lucca with the village of Benabbio. For those arriving by car, there is a car park a few steps from the museum at Corte Cesare Viviani. Further parking spaces can be found around the church and along the main roads through the village.

The Via degli Oratori

The Via degli Oratori is a route passing ten oratories and churches, which mark its stages. The route is particularly suitable if you would like to experience Benabbio and its religious buildings as one continuous journey.

Landscape Along the Road to Benabbio

The road to Benabbio passes through acacia woods and by numerous olive groves. When planning your trip, this makes it possible to take cultural visits, a route with church stops and the landscape around Benabbio into account as distinct interests.

Discover More Destinations

Casabasciana, Pieve Di Monti Di Villa, Fornoli, Scesta, Montefegatesi, Longoio-Mobbiano, Crasciana, Lugliano

To the overarching travel overview: Bagni Di Lucca.