The Dieci Castella (Ten Castles) are ancient fortified villages of the Valleriana, rich in culture and tradition: Pietrabuona, Vellano, Sorana, Medicina, Fibbialla, Aramo, Castelvecchio, San Quirico, Pontito, and Stiappa. The latter stands at 627 meters above sea level on the slopes of Monte Battifolle and once marked the border between the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Duchy of Lucca.
Itinerary
Starting from the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a Romanesque gem, follow CAI Trail 261 uphill, leaving Stiappa behind. You’ll reach Sargentino, where you turn right onto CAI Trail 250 and continue to the highest point of the hike, Monte Biffa del Troggio (1,132 m). Descending, you arrive at Croce a Veglia, a spot that offers stunning views. Nearby lie the ruins of Spedaletto. Continuing along CAI Trail 254, you reach another of the ten Castella: Pontito, well worth a stop. Be sure to visit the Church of Saints Andrea and Lucia, which houses a 16th-century Adoration of the Shepherds, influenced by Sebastiano Vini, and a 15th-century immersion baptismal font.
Leaving the village and picking up CAI Trail 261 again, you return to Stiappa via the charming Grillo Mill. Surrounded by a fairy-tale atmosphere, you’ll reach Stiappa in just a few minutes.
Nearby
Stiappa, Pontito, Spedaletto
Pescia – Cathedral, Civic Museums, Paper Museum, Pinocchio Park, Historic Garden of Villa Garzoni, Butterfly House
Length
11 km
Elevation gain
776 m
Difficulty
Medium