Piazza Al Serchio: Bridge, Village History and Routes of the Garfagnana

Between Rivers and Routes

Piazza al Serchio lies at the confluence of the Serchio di Sillano and the Serchio di Gramolazzo. At the same time, the town is an important transport hub of the upper Garfagnana: road connections to Emilia and Lunigiana meet here. This location combines a clearly recognizable town structure with routes that bring together culture, landscape and various ways of getting around.

The Bridge of San Michele

At the entrance to Piazza al Serchio stands the medieval bridge of San Michele. The stone single-arch bridge dates from the 14th century and connects the two districts separated by the Acqua Bianca stream. For the medieval village of San Michele, it is also the only access route. San Michele itself has been preserved as a fortified village; sections of the surrounding wall and a tower house shape its historic character.

Culture in San Michele

The Museo Italiano dell’Immaginario Folklorico is located in San Michele at Via Comunale 2, 55035 San Michele LU, Italy. Also in the Pieve di San Pietro, a bell from 1271 can be seen; it was found during recent archaeological excavations. A guided visit to the Sala della Narrazione is complemented by multimedia equipment and QR codes.

On Foot Through Piazza al Serchio

The Via del Volto Santo passes through Piazza al Serchio on its route from Pontremoli to Lucca. This history of routes also includes a daily trekking trail incorporating the Via dei Piastroni and leading from San Michele di Piazza al Serchio to Varliano. Eight sculptures made of Pietra serena also mark the ancient connecting route between Nicciano and Napoli. Those travelling on foot encounter not only the landscape, but also historic and artistic sections of the routes.

Cycling Routes and an Annual Date

For planning a bicycle trip, the Le Contee del farro cycling route begins in Piazza al Serchio, while the Tour dei quattro laghi cycling tour passes through the town. Another fixed date in the annual calendar is the Fiera di San Pietro: it takes place every year on the Sunday closest to 28 June.

Location and Landscape

When choosing a hotel in Piazza Al Serchio, San Michele, the Via del Volto Santo, and the Le Contee del farro and Tour dei quattro laghi cycling routes provide specific reference points for planning your trip. The road connections to Emilia and Lunigiana are just as important for geographical orientation as the routes that begin in or pass through the town. The black Doglioni, rocks of volcanic origin, rise beside the river and create a distinctive landscape feature. Together with the confluence of the two Serchio waterways, they give Piazza al Serchio its own geographic character.

Discover More Places

Sant'anastasio, Renaio, Forte Dei Marmi, Sillano, Pieve Fosciana, Motrone, Gorfigliano and Porcari

To the higher-level travel overview: Lucca.