Motrone: Discover a Medieval Village and Hiking Trails

Motrone is a fortified medieval village with stone round-arched gates at its entrances. The gates preserve medieval defensive features. At the same time, the setting shapes the character of the place: medieval Motrone sits atop a high rocky cliff above the valley of the Turrite Cava stream. For a trip that brings historic structures and paths through a striking landscape together, this place therefore offers unusual points of interest.

Rocky Landscape and Caves Around Motrone

Near the medieval village of Motrone lies the Buca del Vasaio di Motrone. Together with the rocky cliff and the valley of the Turrite Cava stream, it forms an important landscape feature of the area. Also above the stream is evidence of the former fortification: the ruins of Castello del Bucine lie on a rocky outcrop above the Turrite Cava. Those who explore Motrone therefore encounter not only a historic village, but also an environment in which rock, watercourse, cave, and ruins appear closely interconnected.

Hiking Connections and Historic Destinations

From Motrone, a hiking trail leads to the Occhio di Lucca, the Torre del Bargiglio. In addition, Motrone is considered a starting point for hikes to the Lavacchielli plateau, the Romitorio di San Ansano, and the Antro del Vasaio. Each of these three destinations represents a different facet of the surroundings: the plateau represents the landscape, the Romitorio a place shaped by spirituality, and the Antro del Vasaio the world of caves. These hiking connections make Motrone particularly interesting for visitors who do not wish to view cultural impressions separately from moving through the landscape.

Church, Organ, and Local History

The village itself also contains noteworthy historical points of interest. The parish church of San Giusto in Motrone was built as a fortress in 1260. Motrone is also home to a valuable Agati organ dating from 1864. Another specific historical connection is Giusto Grotta: he was born in Motrone near Lucca on February 14, 1690, and joined the Capuchin order at the beginning of November 1709. Such individual dates and buildings give the small village a history that becomes immediately apparent while walking among its gates, church, and cliffside setting.

Motrone as a Stage on Spiritual Routes

The connection to longer-established route traditions is also evident in the Cammino di Assisi. The French variant of this route passes through Motrone. Together with the hiking trail to the Occhio di Lucca, the Torre del Bargiglio, this creates an image of Motrone as a place where local history, landscape, and spiritual route connections come together. For your trip planning, it is worth considering these different focal points separately: the church and fortification features represent cultural history, the rocky landscape and caves offer experiences in nature, while these routes open up a different way of encountering the place.

A Specific Cave Connection

A guided cave excursion to the Buca del Vasaio di Motrone was announced for October 6, 2024. Everyone was welcome at this event, and no prior experience was required.

Further Places for Trip Planning

If you would like to add further destinations to Motrone, here is a compact selection: Fosciandora, Piazza Al Serchio, Pieve Fosciana, Trassilico, Porcari, Casatico, San Romano In Garfagnana and Seravezza.

For the broader travel overview: Lucca.