Discover Casciana: Church Art, Local History and Trails

Casciana is located in the Alta Garfagnana at an altitude of 648 metres. The village brings together traces of its history, a church whose furnishings reflect different periods of construction, and options for hiking and cycling. This offers a practical guide when choosing accommodation: decide whether your trip will focus mainly on the historic centre, a trekking route or a cycling tour. For a family trip with different interests, this gives you several starting points for planning each day.

Traces of the Historic Centre

A stone arch marks the former ancient entrance to the historic centre. The surviving gateway is a remnant of the walls that once surrounded Casciana. The village’s name may have Roman origins and derive from “Praedia Cassiana”. Another historical trace is a lease agreement from 939 by Corrado, Bishop of Lucca, in which Casciana is mentioned. The bell tower probably served as a watchtower.

San Tommaso: Construction History and Furnishings

The parish church of San Tommaso Apostolo is located on the road to Cascianella. Construction of the new church building began in 1931; in 1944, San Tommaso in Casciana was given the title of a priory. The side altar was transferred from the earlier church. Its upper section, made of wood, is carved and painted and dates from 1627. The vaulted ceiling inside is decorated with frescoes by the painter Vasco Cavani. Thus, the church brings together a 20th-century building and an older furnishing element transferred from the former church.

Trekking and Cycling

The trekking route starts in Casciana, passes through Verrucolette and follows a ridge before descending to Lago di Gramolazzo. It is about 7 kilometres long and has only minor elevation changes. A trekking programme also included guided visits to the Chiesa Vecchia and the Museo dell’Identità e della Memoria, activities involving traditional crafts, and a visit to the park by the lake. If you plan a guided visit, check in advance whether it is currently available; you should also check the condition of the trail before setting out.

Another option is the “Camporgiano – Casciana – Lago di Gramolazzo – Gorfigliano – Roggio – Camporgiano” mountain-bike route, which follows paths and forest roads. It is an easy circular route around Camporgiano. The trekking route is characterised by its approximate length and minor elevation changes, while the mountain-bike loop is defined by its circular course and surface. This lets you choose between two different types of route and their respective characteristics.

A Regional Flavour

The Mela Casciana is another distinctive regional highlight. It is a traditional apple variety from the Garfagnana. Its shape is rounded and flattened, and its red skin has green-yellow stripes. For travellers interested in local produce as well as church art and outdoor activities, the Mela Casciana offers a connection to the area in its own right.

Planning Your Trip

A small road leads north from Casciana towards Piazza al Serchio, crossing the Serchio on a small bridge. If you plan to use this connection, check the road conditions locally. This way, you can take different interests into account when planning your trip without giving every day the same focus.

Discover more destinations: Filicaia.

Return to the main travel overview: Camporgiano.