Pescaglia
Welcome to beautiful Pescaglia: its history and monuments
Hi everyone, today we'll talk about Pescaglia, a town in the province of Lucca, in Tuscany. This small village has an ancient history, whose first toponym dates back to the Roman period. It is believed that the town was founded as a castrum to guard the Apuan rebels, and its name may derive from the verb "piscare" for the abundance of fish in the streams of the area.
During the Middle Ages, Pescaglia was administered by local lords and later conquered by Lucca in 1272. The Lucchese fortified the village and used it as a base to counter the dangerous neighbors of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. In the sixteenth century, the area witnessed a new development, which led to the construction of churches, palaces, and fortified works.
In the eighteenth century, the churches and chapels of the area were rebuilt in Romanesque style, thanks to the commitment of the community.
Pescaglia is an area rich in monuments and places of interest. Among the religious architectures, there are the Church of Santi Pietro e Paolo, the Pieve di San Giovanni Battista in Monsagrati, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Loppeglia, and many others. Among other attractions, we have the Teatrino di Vetriano, Colognora di Pescaglia, and Celle dei Puccini, where the family of the famous composer lies in a crypt.
The society and geography of Pescaglia
The population of Pescaglia is 3,267 inhabitants, according to the most recent figures. In 2009, there were 210 people of foreign nationality, most of whom came from Morocco. There are several hamlets in the area, such as San Martino in Freddana, Torcigliano, Fiano di Pescaglia, Loppeglia, and Monsagrati.
Pescaglia is a perfect place for those who love nature. The Serchio valley offers multiple paths, where you can go trekking, cycling, and mountain biking. Moreover, the town offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and hills.
If you're in the area, don't miss the beauty of Pescaglia. You'll be fascinated by its ancient history and religious architecture, as well as its unspoiled nature.
