Capannori
Welcome to Capannori: discovering a Tuscan municipality rich in history, culture and breathtaking landscapes!
Physical geography
Located in the province of Lucca, Capannori is the third largest municipality in the area, with its territory covering 156.60 km². Here you can admire a wide range of landscapes, from the hills of Le Pizzorne to Monte Pisano, passing through the fertile Piana di Lucca.
Origin of the name
You may be wondering where the name of this municipality comes from. The answer is simple: "Capannori" comes from "capanna", meaning a small countryside dwelling. In the area, you can still find some typical "capanne", which demonstrate the long rural tradition of the area.
History
If you are passionate about history, Capannori is definitely the right place for you. Its history begins as early as 745, when a small chapel dedicated to San Quirico was built. Later, Capannori became an important agricultural center in the area of Lucca, dominated by various noble families.
During the late Middle Ages, Capannori had to suffer various attacks from Pisans and Florentines, which led the Republic of Lucca to build a series of fortifications to protect the village. In 1313, the Pisan army invaded Capannori, but the Lucca condottiere Castruccio Castracani managed to alleviate the threat with a brilliant resistance action. A few years later, Castracani himself contributed to the conquest of a vast territory including Luni, Pisa, Pistoia and Volterra, increasing the prestige of Capannori thanks to its central position among the annexed territories.
In 1673, Capannori became the seat of the "Commissariato delle Sei Miglia", a union that linked the territories of Capannori, Massarosa, Pescaglia and Borgo a Mozzano. This role continued until the Napoleonic period, when the commissioner was transferred to Lucca. Following the Congress of Vienna, Capannori came under the rule of the Duchy of Lucca, until its annexation to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in 1847.
Monuments and places of interest
Capannori is a real treasure trove of monuments and places of interest, which will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the history and culture of the area. Here are just a few of the most beautiful places you can visit:
- Villa Reale di Marlia: one of the most important historic villas in Capannori, also owned by Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, sister of Napoleon Bonaparte.
- Castelvecchio di Compito: an ancient Tuscan village, rich in charm and history.
- Quercia delle streghe: at the center of a popular legend, according to which the inhabitants of the village protect it from witches and goblins.
- Oasi WWF del Bottaccio: a protected area near Camaiore, which hosts numerous animal and plant species.
- Chiesa di Santa Margherita di Antiochia: one of the oldest churches in the area, rich in religious artworks.
Economic activities
But it's not just history that makes Capannori a unique place. Here you will also find a lively and dynamic economy, especially thanks to the agricultural and industrial activities practiced in the area. In particular, Capannori is one of the hubs of the Lucca paper district, which produces high-quality paper exported all over the world.
Conclusions
In summary, Capannori is a Tuscan municipality that has a lot to offer to its visitors. Here you can admire the beauty of the places, immerse yourself in the history and culture of the area, and appreciate the lively economy that has developed over the years. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Capannori and discover everything that this wonderful area has to offer!
