Monte San Quirico between Frescoes and the Serchio River Park

Monte San Quirico combines an impressive artistic and architectural heritage with a diverse riverside landscape along the Serchio. Among churches, villas, and frescoes, you can discover a place where cultural interests, walks, cycling tours, and unusual insights into regional history come together.

Churches, Monasteries, and Frescoes

The parish church of San Quirico in Monte San Quirico is mentioned in a document from 788. Renovations in the 19th century removed its medieval appearance. The church contains a large painted cross attributed to Taddeo Gaddi. A traditional festival is also part of the area's history: it has been celebrated for centuries on the first Sunday of Lent.

Today's Capuchin monastery is the most recent site in a long succession of monasteries where the Brotherhood of Lucca was based. The complex was created by converting Villa Cotenna, acquired in 1885. It includes a church dedicated to Saint Mary of the Assumption. Monte San Quirico therefore offers several distinct historical points of interest, whose significance derives from their individual history and furnishings.

Another highlight is the Cappella della Villa Buonvisi-Spada. Its fresco cycle dates to around 1580 and is tentatively attributed to the painter Agostino Ghirlanda. The chapel also houses the only complete fresco cycle on the legend of Lucca's Volto Santo that has survived to this day. Villa Paolina Bonaparte was occupied by Paolina Bonaparte from 1822 to 1825. Its park offers views of the Apuan Alps and the walled city of Lucca.

Exploring the Serchio

The Serchio River Park is an important destination for outdoor activities. The park is accessible via the Petroni Terrace near the San Quirico Bridge. An 11-kilometre circular route begins at the entrance to the Serchio River Park and can be used on foot or by bicycle. The route leads to the San Pietro Bridge and returns along the right bank of the river to the starting point.

The Serchio River Park runs through an agricultural area characterized by grain cultivation and poplar trees. Rare plant species that have disappeared elsewhere can be found along the river. The park also includes an ecological corridor designated as a protected area between the mountains and the coast. It provides wildlife with places for shelter, foraging, and reproduction. In places, the route overlaps with the Puccini cycling and walking path dedicated to the Luccan composer, which runs from Celle di Pescaglia to Torre del Lago on Lake Massaciuccoli.

Activities and Regional Insights

The section of the river park close to the city has a skate area. The park also includes the old skill game „tiro della forma“, in which cheese wheels are thrown, as well as an equestrian centre. The Fattoria degli Albogatti has community gardens where, among mulberry trees and cocoons, you can learn about the agricultural foundations of Lucca's silk production.

On the right side of the Serchio River Park, there is access to a riverside area known as a „beach“, where you can cool off in the cool river water in summer. On long, calm stretches of the river, kayaking downstream towards the sea is possible at any time of year. A river festival with games, food, and concerts takes place every September. The range of activities along the Serchio therefore extends from tranquil nature observation and cycling tours to sports, regional culture, and community events.

More Destinations

Mastiano, Cerasomma, Piaggione, Nozzano Castello, Piazzano, Pieve Di Brancoli, San Concordio Di Moriano, Santa Maria Del Giudice

To the higher-level travel overview: Lucca.