Matraia between San Michele and the Pizzorne

Church history and art in Matraia

Matraia lies on the slopes of the Pizzorne and combines this distinctive location with a remarkable ecclesiastical history. The focal point is the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo. Those interested in Italian culture, religious art, and the development of small towns will find in Matraia a place whose special features can be explored through specific buildings and works of art.

The original church in Coviglia was built before the year 1000 under the name Sant'Angelo; this referred to Saint Michael. The present-day Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo was probably built between 1071 and 1234. These two dates alone show that the history of the church site goes back a long way, without suggesting that the older church and the present-day church should be considered one and the same.

The Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo in Matraia has three naves. Its interior also contains two 17th-century altars and a wooden sculpture of the Madonna and Child dating from around 1300.

Other works of art include a painting by Baccio Lomi. Above the main entrance there is also a metal statue of Saint Michael, made in 1957. The different periods of creation—from the wooden sculpture dating from around 1300 and the 17th-century altars to the 1957 metal statue—give the church building a diverse chronological character.

Hillside location and views on the BioGiro

The BioGiro also helps explain Matraia's location. At 300 metres above sea level, Matraia is the highest point on this road cycling route. On the BioGiro, Matraia is regarded as a hilly viewpoint offering views of the Piana di Lucca and Monte Pisano. Landscape and sporting orientation come together here at a specific point on the route.

The BioGiro is a fully signposted road cycling route. It begins at the Villa Reale di Marlia and reaches Matraia after 4 kilometres. This information is particularly useful for cycling travellers who want to classify a route not only by a destination name but also by its course. Matraia thus appears as a section within a route whose starting point lies outside the town.

Wine, olive oil and the Pizzorne

A second thematic connection is provided by the wine and olive oil route from Lucca, Montecarlo and Versilia. It begins at the foot of the Pizzorne hills, leads through the plain of Lucca, and continues to the village of Matraia.

Along this wine and olive oil route, visitors can stop at local farms and agriturismi. These produce wine and olive oil and offer guided tastings. This aspect may be particularly interesting for you if you would like to combine culture and landscape with regional products. In addition, the Altopiano delle Pizzorne can be reached by car from Matraia.

Those considering a hotel in Matraia can therefore base their choice of location on the documented themes: the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo, the location on the Pizzorne, the BioGiro, and the wine and olive oil route. This allows you to plan your stay around culture, cycling, views, or regional culinary experiences, while choosing the specific accommodation independently of these attractions.

Other places for your travel planning: Petrognano, S.Andrea In Caprile, San Gennaro, Ruota, Gragnano, San Leonardo In Treponzio, Carraia, San Ginese Di Compito

To the higher-level travel overview: Capannori.