Renaio: Hiking Trails, Chestnut Trees and Local History

Renaio lies at an altitude of about 1,000 metres and offers views over the Corsonna stream valley. Chestnut groves and coppice woods shape the surrounding landscape, while hiking trails lead into the Apennine group of the Monti Omo and Giovo. The Via dei Remi and the Oratorio di San Paolino also give the village a distinctive cultural character. You can get to know Renaio through a range of interests: its landscape and opportunities for outdoor activities, as well as its local history and architecture.

Hiking Trails with Specific Landmarks

CAI hiking trail 20 runs from Renaio via Vetricia and Pian Caciaia to Porticciola. It lies in the Apennine group of the Monti Omo and Giovo. The route’s stated elevations are 1,010 metres at Renaio and 1,750 metres at Porticciola. The sequence of places and elevation points trace the route without specifying a walking time or difficulty level.

Another trail runs from Renaio to Cima Abetaio, passing the Chiesa di San Paolino. A 2022 trail description calls it a signposted route from the car park in Renaio and gives an approximate walking time of half an hour. It also describes wooden directional arrows and information boards listing tree names and trunk circumferences. Before setting off, check locally that the trail markers and trail conditions are suitable.

The two trails offer different points of reference for planning your day: the route to Cima Abetaio comes with an approximate walking time, while CAI hiking trail 20 is notable for its sequence of places and elevation details. You can compare the options according to whether a time estimate or a clearly named route matters more to you.

Chestnut Landscapes and Places to Visit

The area around Renaio is characterised by extensive chestnut groves and coppice woods, and is associated with mushroom gathering. The chestnut trees themselves are also a special natural heritage: a high concentration of centuries-old trees, classified as monumental chestnut trees, with exceptionally large trunk circumferences can be found in a small area. Together, the woodland, the mushroom-gathering tradition and the old trees give the landscape its distinctive character.

Near Renaio, the Rifugio Alpino Giovanni Santi lies at an altitude of 1,308 metres in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and within a beech forest. From Renaio, you can also arrange nature-focused and scenic excursions to Monte Giovo and Lago Santo Modenese. These destinations add further options to the trails around the village for days when you want to explore the mountain landscape.

The Via dei Remi and Local History

The Via dei Remi passes through Renaio, climbs up to the church and descends towards the Piana. There, the route splits into the Vecchia Via dei Remi and the Nuova Via dei Remi. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Via was used mainly to transport long beech poles and fir trunks by oxen to a large shed called the Arsenale. The timber came from the Apennine slopes of the Garfagnana as well as from forests beyond the ridge, including areas around Cutigliano and Abetone. The route and its history as a transport path connect the village with the former use of the mountain forests.

The Oratorio di San Paolino was built in 1771 as a single-nave church without a transept. Its gabled façade has a loggia with three arches leading into the church. These clearly defined architectural features also make the building of interest to travellers who want to explore not only the trails and landscape, but also local architecture. The Chiesa di San Paolino also has an ornate memorial plaque bearing eight names in connection with the First World War.

Renaio’s religious traditions include the Quarantore celebration, traditionally held on the third Sunday in September. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the specific dates for the year of your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pieve Fosciana, Minucciano, Partigliano, Campolemisi, Pugliano, Camporgiano, Corsanico, Piaggiori.

For the broader travel overview: Lucca.