Holiday apartment in Altopascio: Via Francigena and local history
Altopascio is a place where medieval urban history, the Via Francigena and a distinctive food culture come together. To this day, the historic centre preserves an urban layout shaped by the medieval period, the Medici era and the 18th century. These different influences belong to the same urban structure. As a result, the pilgrimage route, church architecture, everyday history and local cuisine coexist within the same townscape.
Holiday apartment in Altopascio between the pilgrimage route and local history
The Via Francigena in Altopascio is part of a cultural route connecting Canterbury and Rome. It passes through Altopascio, which is also the destination of Stage 28 from Lucca. Anyone interested in pilgrimage routes, cultural history and hiking will find a specific section of the route here, with a direct connection to Lucca. For those interested in pilgrimage, Altopascio therefore lies on a specific section of the route linked to Lucca. This means the route can be considered a subject in its own right alongside the historic centre. A stay in Altopascio thus creates a connection between the town centre, the pilgrimage route and the sequence of stages.
A church, a hospital and a historic town centre
The present-day Church of San Jacopo is part of the town’s historical character. It was completely rebuilt between 1827 and 1830. The history of the Spedale di Altopascio goes back even further: the ancient Spedale was surrounded by a sturdy wall that gave it the appearance of a fortress. At the same time, it developed into a specialised medical care facility for pilgrims. The church belongs to the more recent architectural history of the town, while the ancient Spedale belongs to the earlier history of pilgrim care.
The Centro di Documentazione della Vita materiale dell'antico Centro storico di Altopascio is located in one of the courtyards of the Medici estate. The centre displays locally sourced artefacts dating from the 13th to the 19th century and documents various aspects of material life in old Altopascio.
San Jacopo and Altopascio’s traditional bread
In July, the San Jacopo celebrations shape Altopascio’s events calendar with markets, festivities and historical re-enactments; they take place throughout the entire month of July. The local food culture also includes a special type of bread: Pane di Altopascio Tradizionale uses a special dough called “la sconcia” to make it rise. Pane di Altopascio Tradizionale is made without salt. In Altopascio, the bread is a culinary landmark alongside the pilgrimage route and the historic sites. In July, culture enthusiasts can combine the town’s historical focus with the San Jacopo celebrations while also discovering its local bread culture.
Places around Altopascio
The links lead to Marginone and Spianate, two other places to visit on a journey around Altopascio.
For the overview of the wider journey: Lucca.
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