Holiday apartment in Villa: Romanesque architecture, forest trails and panoramic views

In the surroundings of Villa there is a Romanesque church, traces of historic routes and a prominent viewpoint. The Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Corte was first mentioned in documents in 1260; based on its architecture and masonry, its construction is dated to the 12th century. For you, this means that a holiday apartment in Villa can be combined with a stay in which, alongside the landscape, medieval architectural history also shapes the rhythm of the day.

Churches and traces of Romanesque architecture around Villa

The bell tower of the Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Corte stands on a high arch; an old road once passed beneath it. The Romanesque Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Corte is located in the Brancoleria on the road from Vinchiana to the Pieve di Brancoli. At this building, visible architecture and the former road alignment meet directly.

The Pieve di San Giorgio in Brancoli also combines landscape and history. It lies on the slopes of the gentle hills leading to the Pizzorne plateau. From the churchyard, the view extends over the Lucca plain and the Serchio River. Thus, the churchyard and the Croce offer two views of the same landscape. In 1062, the Pieve was consecrated by Pope Alexander II; in 1097, it was elevated to a pieve, meaning a parish church. In the surroundings of Villa, it is also considered an important stop on a Romanesque tour in the Upper Tyrrhenian region.

Holiday apartment in Villa between forest trails and far-reaching views

The Croce di Brancoli provides a distinctive landscape feature. The new Croce di Brancoli was inaugurated on 23 August 1958 and is 18.40 metres high. In the surroundings of Villa, it is a panoramic viewpoint on a spur with views over the Serchio Valley and the Lucca plain. At the same time, it is the highest point on the Romanesque church tour through the Brancoleria.

For active days, a hiking route in the Brancoleria leads through olive groves and centuries-old chestnut woods to the panoramically situated Croce di Brancoli. In addition, a circular route through the Brancoleria ends in front of the Pieve di Brancoli and includes a final visit there. For your planning, this allows you to compare a nature experience with far-reaching views and a circular route with a historic conclusion as different focal points.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans

When choosing a holiday apartment in Villa, your preferred focus may be decisive: The Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Corte and the Pieve di San Giorgio in Brancoli are suited to days with an interest in history and church architecture, while olive groves, chestnut woods and the Croce di Brancoli shape the scenic side of your stay. For regional orientation, you can also consider Capanne.

For the broader travel overview: Sillano.