Vitiana: Church Art and Mountain Views

Vitiana lies in a scenic position above the Val Fegana. You can get to know the village from two different perspectives: churches with clearly identifiable pictorial symbols and paths that bring the forest, valley, and mountains into view. For planning your trip, this gives you a choice between a cultural focus and time outdoors. Both sides are reflected in the village’s history and the landscapes along its paths.

Church Art and Historical Symbols

The Oratorio di Vitiana has a layout dating from the 16th century and was modified in later periods. Its older design and subsequent alterations are both part of its architectural history; the oratory therefore represents more than a single phase of construction.

The depictions in the oratory give the saints distinctive identifying attributes. Saint Leonard of Noblac can be recognized by the Gospel book, chains, and foot stocks. The Apostle Thomas is identified by a lance and a set square, while Saint Francis of Assisi is identified by his religious habit and stigmata. These different attributes help distinguish the figures and take a closer look at their visual language. The altar is dedicated to Saint Anthony the Great.

At the Church of San Silvestro in Vitiana, religious symbolism meets local coats of arms. The lintel above the entrance bears the IHS monogram as well as the coats of arms of the community of Vitiana and the city of Lucca. Thus, a religious symbol and two coats of arms appear together on a single architectural feature.

Further afield, between Calavorno and Vitiana, stands a church dedicated to Saint Pantaleon. Its history dates back to the 16th century. The Church of San Pantaleone had two altars; the main altar was dedicated to Saint Pantaleon. In 2017, the building was described as a roofless ruin. This earlier church history adds another historical reference to the pictorial symbols of the Oratorio and San Silvestro.

Forest Paths and Views

A description from 2017 depicts the forest along the path to San Pantaleone, with chestnut trees, pines, firs, maples, acacias, broom, and ferns; wild berries are also part of the landscape. Along the path, there are views of the Serchio Valley and the Apuan Alps. The forest and distant views give the route two distinct features: views of the plants along the way and of the landscapes beyond.

Another option is the Vitiana–Tereglio–Casa Cerecchio path. Where the forest is more open, it offers views of the Val Fegana. The views differ: the path to San Pantaleone looks out over the Serchio Valley and the Apuan Alps, while the route towards Casa Cerecchio looks out over the Val Fegana. This lets you choose your route according to the landscape that interests you most.

In 2017, the walk from La Grotta to San Pantaleone was reported to take slightly more than 20 minutes. This time estimate dates from that year; check the current path conditions before setting out. In 2017, the starting point indicated by the signs was Vitiana’s central piazza.

A Historic Mountain Pass

Vitiana’s history also extends beyond the village. The old castle of Vitiana, together with the castle of Tereglio, guarded a mountain pass that led to Emilia via the slopes of Monte Rondinaio. The castles’ shared role makes the history of the pass part of Vitiana’s historical context: it draws attention not only to the churches and valley, but also to a former route towards Emilia.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Piano Di Coreglia-Ghivizzano, Gromignana.

Back to the main travel overview: Coreglia Antelminelli.