Montefegatesi: Rocky Spur, Orrido di Botri and Monte Coronato

Montefegatesi between Rocky Spur and Protected Area

Montefegatesi is located on a rocky spur. The small medieval village, with ancient origins, lies in the highest part of the municipality of Bagni di Lucca and can be reached by two roads. Its location combines the compact layout of the village with the surrounding natural area, without separating history from landscape.

The Orrido di Botri Biogenetic Nature Reserve is located around Montefegatesi. It was established in 1971 and covers 286 hectares. It almost entirely overlaps with the 244-hectare SAC and SPA area IT5120007. The gorge forms in the upper Fegana basin, where the Mariana and Ribellino streams merge to form the Rio Pelago watercourse. Montefegatesi is also an access point to the Orrido di Botri Nature Reserve.

Church, Outpost and Dante Legend

The medieval character is also reflected in the village’s historical features. The parish church of Montefegatesi is dedicated to San Frediano Vescovo and dates back to the 13th century. The name Montefegatesi first appears in a document from the archbishop’s archive dating from 983, and again in another document from 991. Historically, Montefegatesi served as a strategic outpost of the Republic of Lucca on the border with the territory of Modena.

The Dante Alighieri monument in Montefegatesi was erected in 1908; the bust was created by the Lucca sculptor Francesco Petroni. From the monument’s location, there are views of Rondinaio, the Tre Potenze and Mosca. According to a local legend, Dante passed through Montefegatesi while fleeing Florentine assassins hired to kill him and was inspired to write the Inferno while crossing the Orrido di Botri.

For travellers, this creates a place that brings together different interests: the rocky spur and medieval village shape the spatial experience, while the church, its role as an outpost and the Dante monument provide historical perspectives, and the protected area and circular trail define the natural and hiking experience. This combination remains tied to specific places and paths.

Circular Trail to Monte Coronato

A circular trail connects the village of Montefegatesi with Monte Coronato and leads to the 1,218-metre-high Monte Coronato. It passes through a varied landscape shaped by centuries of human use. The circular trail includes the area around the Mulini di Montefegatesi, with old ruins, streams and small waterfalls. The route is rated E+ (slightly difficult) and takes trained, well-equipped hikers approximately four to five hours.

There are several places to stop for refreshments along the route, including agriturismi and farms. Meals are available there, and local products such as honey, chestnut flour, cheese and ricotta are also sold. If you choose Montefegatesi as the base for your stay, you can select accommodation according to the focus of your day: local history, the natural area or a hike to Monte Coronato.

More places to explore: Casabasciana, Granaiola, Fornoli, Lucchio, Pieve Di Monti Di Villa, Crasciana, Lugliano and Benabbio.

For the higher-level travel overview: Bagni Di Lucca.