Montuolo: Pieve, Frescoes and Local History

Montuolo combines church history with a specific connection to cycling. The Pieve di San Giovanni Battista is at the heart of the town’s history: its roots date back to the 8th century, while renovations in the 19th century changed its appearance. There is also a cycling tour described as easy that runs from Lucca via Montuolo. When planning your trip to Tuscany, you can weigh a focus on cultural history and an organised group ride as separate interests.

Church History and the Town’s Name

The Pieve dates back to the 8th century. It was originally dedicated to San Martino; its dedication changed in the 10th century. The name Montuolo does not appear until the year 1000. This means that the early history of the church and the first recorded appearance of the town’s name fall at different times. The history of the dedication points to an early period that predates the reference point for the name Montuolo.

A Building with Several Layers of History

The Pieve was raised in 1829 and extended in 1860. In the course of these changes, it was transformed from a basilica into a building with a Latin cross floor plan. Separate from this is the monochrome Neoclassical decoration, which bears the date 1825. The sequence distinguishes two aspects of the building’s history: its decoration and the subsequent changes to its structure. If you are interested in historic churches, you can consider not just a single construction date, but how the building’s form developed in several stages.

Frescoes and Their Subjects

Traces of frescoes from the first half of the 16th century remain on the walls of the Pieve. They are attributed to the circle of Zacchia il Vecchio’s workshop. A 16th-century fresco depicts the Trinity with Santo Stefano and San Giuseppe. Another shows San Giovanni Battista at the baptism of Jesus and may date from the 14th century; this dating is possible, but not certain. The frescoes add religious subjects from different periods to the building’s history.

Flexo: An Earlier Name

Montuolo was formerly known as Flexo. The name derives from a bend in the Ozzeri Canal, an ancient arm of the Serchio River. This explanation links the town’s history to the course of a waterway: Flexo refers to the bend. Historically, Montuolo was a small village of farmers and fishermen. This earlier character adds agriculture and fishing to the history of the Pieve.

A Cycling Tour That Requires Advance Planning

An easy cycling tour of about 30 kilometres starts at Piazza Verdi in Lucca and passes through Montuolo, Ripafratta, Molina di Quosa and San Giuliano Terme. If you would like to include the ride in your trip, note the booking conditions: it can be booked at least 15 days in advance and for a minimum of ten people. Route details may change; check them before planning. Because advance booking is required, it is advisable to coordinate the tour with your group early.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Cerasomma, Balbano, Piaggione, Monte San Quirico, San Pietro A Vico, Mastiano, Aquilea, Arsina.

For the main travel overview: Lucca.