Ruota
Let's Visit Ruota, the Charming Hamlet of Capannori
If you're looking for a destination to spend a pleasant day surrounded by nature, Ruota is the perfect hamlet for you! Located in the province of Lucca, Tuscany, Ruota offers a unique experience thanks to its vast expanse of terraced olive groves, pine forests, and chestnut woods.
The Natural Beauty of Ruota
The hamlet of Ruota is located at the foot of Mount Serra, at an altitude of 362 meters above sea level. The area is predominantly mountainous, but the lower slopes are rich in olive groves and terraces that make the landscape particularly picturesque. The area is also famous for its springs, including those of Acquarella and Pollina.
Piemaggiore and Chiudenda are the smaller settlements of Ruota, which have always contributed to the life of the village.
A Brief History of Ruota
Known in the past as "Ruota di Compito", Ruota was the site of a castle in the 13th century, as reported in an act from 1277.
In the 16th century, during the rivalry between the Republic of Florence and that of Lucca, the castle of Ruota fell into the hands of the Florentines, who were unable to defend it from Niccolò Piccinino's army. In a letter sent to Florence by the commissioner for the Florentine Republic in Pisa, Averardo de' Medici, it is stated that the castle was supposed to be conquered and then demolished.
The hamlet of Ruota had 429 inhabitants in 1832.
Monuments and Places of Interest in Ruota
If you're a history and art enthusiast, you're in the right place! Among the monuments and places of interest in Ruota, the Church of San Bartolomeo stands out, where you can admire valuable works of art dating back to the 17th century.
Another must-see stop is the birthplace of Don Aldo Mei, an important religious figure and patriot, who was shot by Nazi troops on August 4, 1944, under the walls of Lucca. In his birthplace, there was a chapel containing the priest's tomb, but the remains were later transferred to the parish church of Fiano di Pescaglia, where Mei served his ministry.
Conclusion
Ruota di Capannori is a hidden gem in Tuscany that deserves to be discovered. The beauty of the area, its history, and its monuments make this hamlet an excellent choice for spending a day immersed in nature and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Ruota and appreciate the beauty of our Tuscany!
