Sassi: Churches, Trails and Mountain Festival

Hill, Slope and Valley Views

Sassi lies on a hill on a rocky slope; below the rocky slope, the Torrita Secca stream flows. The location offers expansive views of the Serchio Valley and the Garfagnana. For orientation on site, two levels should therefore be distinguished: the hill and the rocky slope immediately around Sassi, and the view over the Serchio Valley and the Garfagnana. The landscape around Sassi can thus be considered both in terms of the immediate terrain and the broader panorama.

Rocca and the Church of San Frediano

The history of the village includes the Rocca and the Church of San Frediano. The Rocca of Sassi preserves the ruins of a signal tower. The people of Lucca rebuilt this signal tower in the 14th century. The Church of San Frediano stands at the highest point of Sassi. The Church of San Frediano has an unusual apse formed by a high, windowless wall. The church also has a carved and painted wooden ceiling from the late 18th century. The Rocca and San Frediano differ in the elements that have been preserved: here, the ruins of the signal tower; there, the apse and wooden ceiling.

Patron Saints and Madonna della Neve

In 1827, the parish church in Sassi changed its dedication from Madonna di Loreto to San Frediano. The Santuario della Madonna della Neve is located just outside Sassi. It is considered a viewpoint. The Church of Madonna della Neve dates from the 13th or 14th century. San Frediano and Madonna della Neve are therefore not in the same place: the parish church is located in Sassi, while the santuario is just outside it.

Trails through the Surrounding Area

The surrounding area can be explored along several trails. Numerous trails lead from Sassi through shady woods, past springs and to viewpoints. One trail connects Sassi with the nearby hamlet of Eglio. The connection to Eglio is a separate destination alongside the trails leading to woods, springs and viewpoints.

8Sassi Mountain Festival

The 8Sassi Mountain Festival takes place in the village of Sassi. Its programme includes hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, ski mountaineering, caving, canyoning and mountain biking. In ski mountaineering, the ascent is made on skis; the descent is also part of it. Canyoning takes place through gorges and waterways. Caving focuses on underground spaces, while mountain biking centres on the bicycle. Hiking involves travelling on foot. Mountaineering takes place in the mountains, while rock climbing takes place on rock.

Sagra del Gatto Nero

Every year on 14 and 15 August, the Sagra del Gatto Nero takes place in Sassi. Penne al gatto nero and Maccheroni are served at the event. A sagra is an Italian festival. The event takes place over two consecutive days in August.

Arrival via Molazzana

Sassi can be reached by car via Molazzana from both the upper Garfagnana and Lucca and the Mediavalle.

To the higher-level travel overview: Molazzana.