Sambuca among Fortress Remains and the Via del Volto Santo

Rocks, Gorge and Historic Fortifications

Sambuca is dominated by rugged volcanic rocks. A deep gorge shaped by the Serchio River separates the hill of Sambuca from the Capriola del Poggio.

Remains of the fortress of Sambuca have been preserved around the church. Traces of two gates can also be seen north and southeast of the village of Sambuca. In 1401, Paolo Guinigi included the fortifications of Sambuca in his register of fortresses and castles. In the 15th century, Sambuca was regarded as one of the walled villages of the Este Garfagnana that were to be preserved as fortresses.

San Pantaleone and the Churches of Sambuca

The Church of San Pantaleone stands on rugged rocks, or rather on a rocky spur, appearing almost like an extension of the rocks themselves and forming a single unit with them. The Via del Volto Santo passes through Sambuca and this church dedicated to Saint Pantaleon.

In 1260, the chapel of Sambuca was subordinate to the Pieve di Fosciana. The chapel is part of the local history of the 13th century. In Villetta, traces of the masonry of an old fortress are visible at the Church of San Pantaleone.

Walking the Via del Volto Santo

In the Middle Ages, the Via del Volto Santo connected the cities of Pontremoli and Lucca. The route runs through the area of San Romano in Garfagnana to Villetta for approximately 14.5 kilometres. Along the way, it uses paths and mule tracks. The approximate distance of around 14.5 kilometres provides a guide for planning the day; on paths and mule tracks, breaks and a steady pace are part of the daily routine. The approximately 14.5 kilometres on paths and mule tracks require walking time to be planned accordingly. The medieval connection between Pontremoli and Lucca leads, in the section near Sambuca, as far as Villetta.

The section of the Via del Volto Santo presents no particular difficulties, but requires a good willingness to hike. It is therefore suitable for visitors who plan to walk for longer periods on paths and mule tracks. The character of the section is determined by its route and the hiking effort required, not by any additional classification into individual difficulty levels.

Villetta Railway Bridge and Valley Views

The Villetta railway bridge crosses the gorge between Sambuca and the Capriola del Poggio. The hike crosses the Villetta railway bridge and the Serchio River. The hike offers views of the valley. The bridge and the valley views add a landscape section between the gorge and the river along the Via del Volto Santo to the route near Sambuca. Thus, in addition to the fortress remains and churches of Sambuca, the gorge, the bridge and the continuation as far as Villetta are also focal points of the route.

To the overarching travel overview: San Romano In Garfagnana.