Pieve Di Brancoli between Churches, Forests and Panoramic Views

Pieve Di Brancoli is a destination for travelers who want to combine Italian sacred architecture with mountain landscapes and a hike through the Brancoleria. Highlights include the Pieve di San Giorgio, the Brancoli Cross and several smaller churches, each with its own historical character.

Arrival and First Orientation

From Lucca, follow the SS 12 toward Bagni di Lucca as far as Vinchiana. Then follow the signs to Piazza di Brancoli. Guided tours of the Pieve di Brancoli can be booked by telephone at +39 328/5331903 or by email at pievedibrancoli@gmail.com.

Ridge and Panoramic Views

The Brancoli Cross stands on a projecting ridge overlooking the Serchio Valley and the Lucca plain. The 360-degree panoramic view also extends toward the Monti Pisani, the Apennines and the southern Apuan Alps. In clear weather, the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago may also be visible.

The cross is 18.40 meters high and was inaugurated on August 23, 1958. The Pieve di San Giorgio in Brancoli lies on the gentle slopes leading to the high plateau of the Pizzorne and complements the viewpoint with an architectural landmark in the landscape.

Churches and Traces of History

The church of Pieve di San Giorgio in Brancoli was elevated to the status of a parish church in 1097. Its south-facing portal bears a mysterious relief of the figure “Brancolino” on the architrave. The church is also an important stop on the network of Itinera Romanica routes.

The smaller churches are also well worth a closer look. The Romanesque church of San Lorenzo in Corte is located in the Brancoleria along the road from Vinchiana to Pieve di Brancoli. In Piazza di Brancoli, Santa Maria Assunta features pre-Romanesque bas-reliefs on its façade and portal. Sant'Ilario in Brancoli has preserved almost the entire original appearance of its interior from the 7th century.

Hiking through the Brancoleria

The route from the Pieve di San Giorgio in Brancoli to the Brancoli Cross follows the Stations of the Cross and passes trenches and communication trenches from wartime, which are connected with the so-called “Gothic Line.” Another hike leads through olive groves and centuries-old chestnut forests to the cross in its panoramic location.

The circular hike through the Brancoleria is 10 kilometers long, involves 350 meters of elevation gain and has a moderate difficulty level. A hike continuing beyond the Pieve di Brancoli climbs approximately 2.5 kilometers to the Brancoli Cross. It runs mostly along a drivable road; at the end there is a short, optional forest trail. A circular hike through the Brancoleria ends in front of the Pieve di Brancoli with a final visit.

More Places for Your Trip to Italy

Other destinations to help you find your bearings include Aquilea, Monte San Quirico, San Pietro A Vico, Balbano, Cerasomma, Piazzano, Ciciana and Nozzano Castello.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lucca.