Pizzorne: Apennine landscapes, hiking and history

Pizzorne combines a mountain landscape in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines with traces of prehistoric and ecclesiastical history. There is also an adventure park on the Altopiano delle Pizzorne and an uphill section of the Cammino di Santa Giulia. When planning a trip, the contrast between outdoor activities and historic sites is particularly tangible.

Apennine landscapes and views

The Altopiano delle Pizzorne is a mountain area in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, stretching between Villa Basilica, Capannori and Lucca. From the summit of the hill Pietra Pertusa, the view extends north over the gentle heights of the Apennines and the rugged Apuan Alps. To the south, the panorama takes in Monte Pisano, the coast and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The two views bring together contrasting mountain forms and the coastal horizon to the south.

The Altopiano is easily reached by car from Matraia or Villa Basilica. Check road conditions before setting off.

Active days on the Altopiano

The final section of the Lucchese leg of the Cammino di Santa Giulia climbs towards the Altopiano delle Pizzorne. Those planning a hiking stage will find a clear connection to the plateau and a section with an ascent.

The Sospeso nel Verde adventure park is located on the Altopiano. It offers 16 climbing courses of varying difficulty for all age groups, with the greatest possible safety. For a trip with people of different ages, this is a practical consideration when planning the day. Opening may vary by season; check the current seasonal information before visiting.

History from the dolmen to the church

The remains of an ancient dolmen have been preserved at Pietra Pertusa. It was built by the peoples who inhabited this area between the 5th and 3rd millennia BC. This means the site’s history reaches far back before the time of the church of San Bartolomeo.

The church of San Bartolomeo in Pizzorna is said to have been built in 1640; it was restored in 1700, 1803 and 1906. From the church of the Santissimo Crocifisso, a footpath of about two kilometres leads to the ancient church of San Bartolomeo and the site of the former San Bartolomeo hospital. This way, a single route connects a surviving church with the site of a former hospital.

Local tradition includes an annual thanksgiving mass on 1 August at the church of the Santissimo Crocifisso. This should be understood as a tradition, not as confirmation of a current event date.

Market and local agriculture

For the summer season of 2026, which has already passed, a weekly farmers’ market called “Mercato Contadino” was scheduled in Pizzorna on Sundays from 21 June to 30 August, on Via del Romitorio. Up to six stalls selling agricultural products directly to customers were planned. These dates applied to summer 2026.

Pizzorne as a place to stay

Consider which focus matters more to your travel group, and take it into account when choosing where to stay.

Discover more destinations: Pracando.

Return to the main travel overview: Villa Basilica.