Greppolungo amid castle ruins, rock carvings and the Apuan Alps

Greppolungo between the Camaiore Valley and the Apuan Alps

Greppolungo lies northwest of Camaiore on a rocky outcrop just over 330 metres above sea level. From Greppolungo, there are sweeping views across the Camaiore Valley, which lies between the peaks of the Apuan Alps and the coast. From Greppolungo, trails lead via La Culla to the Roccia dei Pennati and Monte Gabberi. This combines scenic views, historical traces and specific routes within the same landscape.

Castle, sacred references and the townscape

The Castello di Greppolungo castle is first mentioned in 1219 in a co-ownership deed between the nobles of Corvaia and Vallecchia.

The partially buried remains of the Castello di Greppolungo lie about 150 metres south of the village in an area cultivated with olive trees. They consist of two fragments of wall with a preserved maximum length of five metres. Their location south of the village distinguishes the wall remains from the rest of the townscape.

The original collection of the Museo d’Arte Sacra di Camaiore also included sacred objects from S. Giuseppe a Greppolungo. The church of Greppolungo stands opposite a freestanding bell tower.

Circular hike via La Culla

The Greppolungo–La Culla–Roccia dei Pennati circular hike is part of the “Camaiore Antiqua” project, which includes 15 circular trekking routes. The route’s three stations are Greppolungo, La Culla and Roccia dei Pennati.

The circular hike begins at the Greppolungo car park, follows the Sentiero del Castellaccio to La Culla, and then returns towards Greppolungo via Sentiero 107 and the Sentiero di Soppenna. The local trail names distinguish the section leading to La Culla from the two trails used on the return journey.

Roccia dei Pennati and rock carvings

The Roccia dei Pennati can be reached from Greppolungo via CAI Trail 106 towards Monte Gabberi after approximately 45 to 60 minutes. The stated time refers to this section of the route from Greppolungo to the Roccia dei Pennati.

At the Roccia dei Pennati, the rock carvings of Greppolungo comprise 15 signs: 12 pennati, a hammer, a cup mark and a rectangular basin. The forms therefore range from the twelve pennati to individual signs such as the hammer, depression and basin.

Climbing sector and further trails

The approach to the Tomeoni climbing sector begins in Greppolungo, passes the church and continues along Via del Cavaticcio, followed by a staircase and a forest path, to the vicinity of the rock face. Pilastri di Greppolungo is designated as a climbing area along the hiking route.

The Greppolungo–Monte Gabberi circular hike begins and ends in Greppolungo. Greppolungo is therefore also listed as the starting and finishing point of a route.

Further places for your trip to Italy

For comparison with other destinations, you can also view Monteggiori, Valpromaro Di Camaiore, Capezzano Pianore, Buchignano, Montemagno, Santa Lucia, Metato and Orbicciano.

For the higher-level travel overview: Camaiore.