The Cork Tree Path is an easy itinerary that is suitable for everyone. It offers beautiful views of Versilia and Lake Massaciuccoli and gives the trekker the chance to see what is left of the ruins of the splendid Villa dei Venulei.
Altre immagini
Località di partenza:
Regione Toscana, Provincia di Lucca, Massarosa, Frazione Massaciuccoli
When we reach the village of Massaciuccoli we can leave the car near
the LIPU Oasis, where we can visit a small animal museum in the park
and look at the birds that live around the lake from huts that can be
reached across wooden bridges. Leaving the lake behind us, we climb up
towards the hills behind it, taking a lane on the right and following
route no. 2, passing alongside the first archaeological site, probably
the remains of the store rooms of an ancient Roman villa. We cross over
the provincial highway, keeping to the right and take an attractive
path that climbs up the side of the hill in the shadow of ancient olive
trees. After walking for about 10 minutes we arrive at the ruins of
Villa dei Venulei where we can still recognise part of its structure.
In particular, in the bottom part of the building we can see the rooms
used as a spa, with its still visible water pipes. The Villa is
dominated by the Pieve di San Lorenzo, popular in the Middle Ages with
pilgrims travelling along the Francigena Way. From the terrace opposite
the church square there is a magnificent view of Lake Massaciuccoli, a
large part of Versilia and the plain that extends to the south as far
as Pisa, where we can clearly see the tower, the cathedral and the
baptistery. We walk alongside the parish church and turn right along a
road that leads us to the remains of Villa Minutoli Tegrimi, a mansion
built on the ruins of an ancient watch tower. The villa was the centre
of the great Massa (a village with a Villa at the centre), belonging to
the nobleman, Cuccolo. This is where the name Massaciucooli comes from.
At this point we can go back the same way as we came or, for the
fittest of us, we could continue along the second part of the path that
climbs up towards Compignano for another hour’s walk.
This
itinerary is part of a collection that the magazine “Trekking”,
together with the APT (Provincial Tourist Authority) of the Tuscan
Coast, has dedicated to the most beautiful trekking routes in this
area. A series of itineraries that will help you discover lovely places
and will introduce you to a district that has great environmental and
cultural appeal.
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