Discover Porcari: Archaeology, Churches and Nature

Porcari lies in the Piana di Lucca on the shores of the ancient Lago di Sesto. When planning your trip, the town offers several perspectives: landscape, archaeology, churches and a section of the Via Francigena. The Via Francigena passes through Porcari along the section between Lucca and Altopascio. You can therefore choose accommodation in Porcari based on which of these aspects you want to define your stay.

Nature between Forest and Plain

The Parco naturale della Torretta covers 30,000 m² of woodland with pine trees, strawberry trees and oaks. From there, the broad panoramic view extends across the entire Piana di Lucca. The park is suitable for walking, spending time in the countryside and relaxing in nature. If you are weighing up a cultural itinerary and a break in green surroundings, this natural area offers a clear alternative focus for your trip.

Archaeology from the Bronze Age to the Roman Farm

The Area Archeologica di Fossa Nera preserves remains from the Bronze Age, the Etruscan period and the Roman period. The foundations of the Roman Fossa Nera A farm are visible; the complex includes residential areas (pars urbana) and production areas (pars rustica). Paths have been created for visits to the Area Archeologica di Fossa Nera. Artefacts from the Area Archeologica di Fossa Nera are displayed in the Mostra Archeologica Permanente at the library in Porcari. The time span from the Bronze Age to the Roman period and the distinction between residential and production areas provide several concrete ways to explore the archaeology.

Churches, Architectural History and Festive Tradition

The parish church of Chiesa di San Giusto a Porcari is a white marble church with an adjoining bell tower. It was built towards the end of the 15th century in place of a considerably older church, expanded to three naves in 1745 and enlarged further during the last century; the façade was completed in 1884. Chiesa di Santa Maria a Porcari contains an early 16th-century panel attributed to Ranieri di Leonardo.

Festive tradition is also part of the town's cultural identity: the Festa di San Giusto patronal festival in Porcari is celebrated on the Monday after Whit Sunday and ends with a procession. Those who want to include churches, historical landmarks and local tradition in their trip will find a range of specific themes here rather than a single attraction. When choosing a hotel in Porcari, you can therefore focus your stay on Chiesa di San Giusto and Santa Maria, the Area Archeologica di Fossa Nera, the Parco naturale della Torretta or the section of the Via Francigena between Lucca and Altopascio.

Discover More Places

For further trip planning, you can also explore Vallico di Sotto, Massarosa, Capannori, Careggine, Coreglia Antelminelli, Gorfigliano, Capezzano and Torre.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lucca.