Montecatino

Viewpoints with great all-round visibility. Also easy to reach with the MTB.

On the top of the hill there is a vast panorama, passing from the Serchio and Freddana valleys to the Apuan Alps (Panie group!) And the Apennines. There are the remains of the Church of Santa Maria Annunziata, the bell tower and the parish premises which, closed by nets, and abandoned in the 1960s. A cross with a plaque recalls that in September 1944 two Italians were killed by the retreating Nazi SS.

Interesting network of paths that unwind from here along the Val Freddana or towards Domazzano. this plateau can be reached by climbing the "Cappella" road starting from the "Bao" locality, from Torre, along the road that climbs up from the "Maddalena", from San Concordio di Moriano, or from Gugliano.
Excellent solution also for Trail Running workouts.

Tower and church now in ruins but full of history. Enjoyable 360 degree view over the whole plain.

Montecatino (also indicated in documents as "Montecatini nella Valle del Serchio" and "Montecatinello") is a hill 483 meters above sea level north of Lucca in the hamlet of Cappella in the Municipality of Lucca.
The top of the hill is a large circular plateau of about 65 meters in diameter where there are the remains of the church of Santa Maria Annunziata, the bell tower and the remains of the parish rooms and farmhouses. There is also a pitch equipped for picnics. Normally there is also a waste container, but if there isn't, don't leave your waste there but bring it back to your home thanks.
In 1986 it was discovered that it is an Etruscan archaeological area; the place is truly enchanting, absolutely worth a visit. It can be reached on foot, by Mountain Bike or Gravel and if you have good tires even with a racing bike.