Lizzanello: Sacred Sites and a Short Hiking Route

Lizzanello combines sacred buildings, traces of several centuries and a short hiking route that runs mostly through the forest. This makes the village particularly suitable if you would like to discover Italian culture not only through major sights, but also through smaller religious and historical sites. Accommodation in Lizzanello can be selected according to the focus of your trip: the village’s buildings, the history of San Felice or a 2.6 km hike can take center stage.

Monastery, Church and Theological Tradition

The Orthodox Monastery in Lizzanello, at Via di Lizzanello 1, is designated as a cultural asset with statutory protection under Article 10, Paragraph 1 of Italian Legislative Decree 42/2004. At the same address, the Orthodox Theological Faculty of San Gregorio Magno is based at the monastery in San Felice, Pistoia. The faculty offers courses, seminars and study programs for people who wish to deepen their knowledge of the Orthodox faith.

Another religious influence on the village can be seen at the Oratorio di Santa Maria Maddalena. The affiliated church is the church around which Lizzanello developed. The Monastery of San Serafino di Sarov is also one of the sacred buildings associated with the village: Don Livi founded it in Lizzanello.

Lizzanello is regarded as a place with buildings from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. These historical traces include a 15th-century oratory standing next to Pietro Becarelli’s house and facing south. A plaque beside the church commemorates Pietro Becarelli as one of the “Mille” and as a hero of Italian unification.

Forest Route and Stone Bridge

The hiking route in Lizzanello runs mostly through the forest; only a short section follows a paved road. The route begins on Via di Lizzanello in the area of Borgo di San Felice. Trekking and easy walks are possible along the route, allowing you to choose between a more athletic circuit and a short walk through the countryside without confusing different route lengths.

The Ponte del Picchio is also part of the area around Lizzanello. The stone bridge has two arches and was built at the end of the 18th century. It complements the village’s sacred and historical themes with a structure connected to the region’s architectural history.

The “Albero di Elisa” was dedicated to a girl by her grandparents; a wooden bench stands in front of the tree. At Bozzo della Salamandra, stones are stacked on top of one another, left by passers-by as a keepsake.

Lizzanello as a Travel Choice

If you are looking for a hotel or other accommodation in Lizzanello, you can organize your plans around the village’s main themes. Culture enthusiasts will find points of interest in the Orthodox Monastery, the theological faculty, the Oratorio di Santa Maria Maddalena and the buildings dating from the 15th to the 17th century. For a trip involving outdoor activity, the 2.6 km route and its forest sections take center stage. The combination of a manageable hike, sacred history and individual memorial sites makes Lizzanello an independent stop for a customized trip through Italy.

More destinations for planning your trip: Sambuca Pistoiese, Pracchia, Montale, Lamporecchio, Massa E Cozzile, Montecatini Terme, Marliana and Pistoia.

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