Monte San Quirico: Churches, Villas and Serchio River Park

Monte San Quirico combines an impressive cultural heritage with the landscapes of the Serchio River Park. Among churches, monastic complexes, villas, riverbanks and nature-rich paths, you will find many reasons to discover the area. When choosing a holiday apartment in Monte San Quirico, you can therefore consider whether you would like to focus your stay more on art and history, outdoor activities or a combination of both.

Culture among churches, monasteries and villas

The parish church of San Quirico in Monte San Quirico is mentioned in a document from 788. Its medieval appearance disappeared as a result of renovations in the 19th century. The church also contains a large painted cross attributed to Taddeo Gaddi. Another local tradition is a festival that has been celebrated for centuries on the first Sunday of Lent.

The present-day Capuchin monastery also bears witness to changing uses and religious history. It is the most recent location in a long succession of monasteries where the Brotherhood of Lucca was based. The complex was created by converting Villa Cotenna, acquired in 1885. The Capuchin complex includes a church dedicated to Saint Mary of the Assumption.

At the Cappella della Villa Buonvisi-Spada, attention is drawn to the paintings: the fresco cycle is dated to around 1580, and the frescoes are tentatively attributed to the painter Agostino Ghirlanda. The chapel also houses the only complete fresco cycle depicting the legend of the Volto Santo of Lucca that has survived to the present day. Paolina Bonaparte lived in Villa Paolina Bonaparte from 1822 to 1825. Its park offers views of the Apuan Alps and the walled city of Lucca.

Serchio River Park for paths, water and nature

From the entrance to the Serchio River Park, an 11-kilometre circular route leads to the bridge of San Pietro. The route can be walked or cycled and returns to the starting point along the right bank of the river. The park runs through an agricultural area characterised by grain cultivation and poplar trees. The Serchio River Park can be accessed via the Petroni Terrace near the bridge of San Quirico.

The section of the park close to the city has a skating area. The Serchio River Park also features “tiro della forma”, an old skill game in which cheese wheels are thrown, as well as an equestrian centre. At the Fattoria degli Albogatti, there are community gardens where you can learn about the agricultural foundations of Lucca’s silk production among mulberry trees and cocoons.

Every September, the Serchio River Park hosts an annual river festival with games, food and concerts. On the right-hand side of the park, there is access to a riverbank area known as the “beach”, where you can cool off in the refreshing river water in summer. Along long, tranquil stretches of the river, it is possible to kayak downstream towards the sea at any time of year.

Rare plant species that have disappeared elsewhere grow along the Serchio. The river park also includes an ecological corridor designated as a protected area between the mountain regions and the coast. This corridor provides wildlife with places for shelter, foraging and reproduction. In some places, the route of the Serchio River Park overlaps with the Puccini cycling and walking trail dedicated to the composer from Lucca, which runs from Celle di Pescaglia to Torre del Lago on Lake Massaciuccoli.

Choose a holiday apartment in Monte San Quirico based on your holiday priorities

The cultural sites and the Serchio River Park represent different daily rhythms. If you would like to focus on historic places, frescoes and religious buildings, San Quirico, the Capuchin complex and the Cappella della Villa Buonvisi-Spada offer specific themes to explore. Those who prefer activity and nature can include the 11-kilometre circular route, the Puccini cycling and walking trail, kayaking or the park’s plant and animal life in their plans. You can choose a holiday apartment or other accommodation in Monte San Quirico based on the combination of holiday activities that best suits your days.

Other places in the same area

If you would like to compare Monte San Quirico with other destinations, you can find Pieve Di Brancoli, San Lorenzo A Vaccoli, San Macario In Monte, Piaggione, Farneta, Aquilea, Montuolo and Ciciana here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lucca.