Food & wine

This is what happens along the historical paths or in the food landscapes of the Piana di Lucca which the locals know so well, are proud of and gladly share with those who choose these territories for a long or short stay or a restorative vacation.

A territory with an ancient history traversed by “narrative” Paths: the Via Francigena, which crosses it descending from the hills of Versilia and after passing through the historic center of Lucca and Altopascio, required tour stops then continuing southward crossing the wetlands of the Bientina plain, among poplar and clear-cut woods where numerous migratory birds stop in autumn and spring.

From the Apennines, on the other hand, the Via Matildica del Volto Santo descends, following the steps of the Great Countes who around 1000 was a protagonist in the History of central Italy and is still a great figure in female History.

These paths were overlaid over time by other routes, for other people, such as the silk merchants who on these routes from Lucca reached the markets of northern Europe, leaving their mark in history. In the city they left rich residences, such as the Mansi Palace, and in the hills, thanks to the position, the richness of water and woods, the construction of a large number of monumental villas, small representative courts with parks and gardens still surprising today, with architectures of nymphaeums and artificial caves, centuries-old trees of exotic origin, generous blooms of camellias – the symbol of this era.

From the Botanical Garden of Lucca, to the Camelieto of Sant’Andrea di Compito on Mount Pisano, to the gardens of Lucca’s villas, this flower never fails to beautify paths and create places of unforgettable refinement.

The Piana di Lucca and the hills themselves, are the place of origin of the unmistakable flavor of the local cuisine, that “the superior quality of the olive oil produced here” takes pride of place on the tables of Lucca.

Indeed, the vine and olive landscapes, terraces and regular crops create a landscape, and … a cuisine, that the whole world knows and admires. In autumn the chestnut forests complete, this journey of flavors.