The Medieval Hamlets of Svizzera Pesciatina (From Lucca)

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Lucca, TOS, IT

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Route Overview

Lucca Cycling Club

Curated Experiences for Bike Lovers

75 mi.

7,808 ft.

Svizzera Pesciatina has a charm unlike any other. Once you’re climbing, it’s truly about you and the bike, yet the small medieval hamlets along the way let you know that you’re not completely alone.

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Did you like this ride? Learn more about my guided rides, bike rentals, and Lucca Region & Ride Guide with 15+ routes just like this one at luccacyclingclub.com.

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Route Details

You'll pick up the route from @point[Porta Santa Maria](d,22.25), the northern gate of Lucca's historic 4.4 km wall. The @slice["The Morianese"](d,2633.46,7665.28) takes you across Lucca's once marshy plain to reach the towns of @point[Matraia](d,14564.65), @point[Valgiano](d,15743.47), and @point[Petrognano](d,22054.16) that have spectacular views over Lucca and beyond.

From there, you'll descend into the medieval town of @point[Collodi](d,25550.79) and where the writer of Pinocchio, Carlo Lorenzini spent his childhood. He loved Collodi so much that he chose to change his name to Carlo Collodi and in return, Collodi put up @photo[a massive wooden statue of Pinocchio](6491725).

Once you get into the town of Pescia, and the grand-movie-set like square, don't skip out on @poi[Bistro Franco](13296962). It's one of the few cafe opportunities on this ride.

From Franco, @slice[it's all uphill](d,34892.5,59061.97) winding through the villages of Svizzera Pesciatina (Swiss Pescia). Don't worry—by Italian standards, this climb isn't steep and the medieval hamlets, known as “castella”, are truly worth it.

After most of the climbing and the descending is behind you, my favorite place to fill up is@poi[ Circolo MCL](13296961), a hole in the wall pizzeria with thin crust, wood-oven pizzas. Given you leave at 9 am or earlier, you'll be in Popiglio by 2-3 pm. If you do plan to stop here for pizza, the best thing is to give them a call ahead of time to confirm they're open: (+39) 0573 674173.

From Popiglio it's mostly a @slice[downhill/flat and fast drag back to Lucca](d,75627.84,111028.31), hovering over an hour at 40 km/h average or two hours tops at a "less aggressive pace."

*Bring plenty of food with you because there aren't many places to stop along the way. This route into the mountains is not advised in winter months from November - April.*

## Did you like this ride?
Get a 15+ route library, places to stay, places to eat and insider intel on things to do and what to see with my [ DIY Guide to Lucca](https://luccacyclingclub.com/shop/diy-guide).
## About Lucca Cycling Club
[ Lucca Cycling Club](https://luccacyclingclub.com/) is a virtual atelier for cycling travel founded by Alison Testroete, former pro cyclist and Canadian National Champion. With our base in Lucca, we host unforgettable bike experiences across Tuscany.

We're beyond excited you're here and  hope this is just the beginning of your journey with us. For endless Tuscany inspiration, our full list of services  and to become a Lucca CC insider — come on over to our [website](https://luccacyclingclub.com)!

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The Medieval Hamlets of Svizzera Pesciatina (From Lucca)

Route Overview

Route Details

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