Colle Di Compito: Culture, Nature and Trails

Colle di Compito represents a connection between local history, sacred buildings, the tradition of olive mills and trails in a natural area dedicated to protecting waterfowl. This allows you to combine cultural and landscape interests at various specific places and along different routes when planning your trip.

Local History and Sacred Buildings

The historic village developed from several small settlements at the beginning of the slopes of the Monti Pisani. Santa Maria Assunta is the parish church of Colle di Compito. The Oratorio di Santissima Maria della Consolazione is a side oratory in Colle di Compito. Together, these two buildings represent different ecclesiastical functions within the village and complement the historical perspective on its origins.

Le Macine: Olive-Mill Tradition and Culture

The Le Macine cultural centre in Colle di Compito is located in a former olive mill on Via del Molino. The complex was extensively restored for cultural use. During the event dedicated to the camellia, you can learn about the history and traditions of the area there—in particular, rural culture, olive pressing and traditional crafts. Three millstones and a frollo have been preserved in the centre; the latter is a system for decanting olive oil using basins. This means that, in one place, you can encounter both regional everyday culture and specific milling technology.

Gherardesca and Lakeside Trails

The Gherardesca natural area covers approximately 30 hectares and was redesignated as a special protection area for the protection of waterfowl. In the vicinity of the natural area, you can use the trails along the shore of Lago della Gherardesca on foot or by bicycle. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Colle di Compito and other villages in the Compitese area. The waterside, village panorama and protection of waterfowl shape this part of the surroundings and give it a distinct landscape character.

Trails and Events

The Colle di Compito–Ruota route begins at the Oratorio di Maria Santissima della Consolazione and follows Via della Ruga and Via di Ruota to the starting point of CAI Trail 138.

At the Corpus Domini floral displays in Capannori, which are regarded as traditional, the Santuario di Santa Maria Assunta in Colle di Compito was designated as one of the event venues. A nature walk between the WWF Bosco del Bottaccio Oasis and Lago della Gherardesca was also planned as part of the “Primavera delle Oasi” initiative. The meeting point was to be the Isola Ecologica di Colle di Compito on Via del Porto.

Practical Orientation in the Village

The Parco della Rimembranza in Colle di Compito is a green space with seating and street furniture for visitors to spend time there; it does not have a children’s playground. This specific provision helps you assess the park realistically when planning your day.

More Destinations for Your Trip Planning

More destinations for your trip planning: Petrognano, Lammari, Lappato, Valgiano, Gragnano, Carraia, Ruota, Corte Polito

To the main travel overview: Capannori.