Territory
Podere Lovolio is a magical place, where one can find peace and inner well-being and experience the purest beauty, capable of reaching not only the eyes but also the soul.
Surrounded by true spectacles of nature, it thrives on all the energy that a land rich in traditions, culture, and art can convey.
Massarosa
Podere Lovolio is located in the lands of Massarosa, in the province of Lucca, within the splendid setting of the famous Versilia.
Situated between the Apuan Alps and the Riviera that gives it its name, Versilia consists of the following municipalities: Forte dei Marmi, Pietrasanta and its Marina, Camaiore and its Marina, Viareggio with Torre del Lago Puccini, Stazzema, Seravezza, and, of course, Massarosa.
Massarosa extends partly in the plains and partly in the hills, reaching an altitude of 467 meters above sea level, with an area of approximately 68 square kilometers.
In addition to being an integral part of Versilia, Massarosa lies within the Serchio river basin, which flows through the Garfagnana region to reach the sea between Viareggio and Marina di Pisa, passing for much of its course through the Migliarino-San Rossore-Massaciuccoli Natural Park.
The population, the Massarosesi, is about 22,500. Each year, roughly 7,000 tourists are added to this number.
Lago di Massaciuccoli
Lake Massaciuccoli is the largest in Tuscany and enjoys international fame thanks to its incredible resources.
The Massaciuccoli area represents an important wetland, covering approximately 2,000 hectares, located within the reclamation district known as the ‘Lake and Marsh of Massaciuccoli.’ In the southernmost part of this area lies the lake, the largest in Tuscany, quadrangular in shape, with a surface of about 7 square kilometers and a maximum depth of around 2 meters, except for some ditches created by sand quarries, an activity now prohibited.
Lake Massaciuccoli and the area separating the lake from the sea are listed as wetlands of international importance due to the unique habitat, which hosts a wide variety of waterbirds and fauna and flora that require protection. The basin contains freshwater, although occasional incursions of saltwater occur, which never make the salinity excessive, allowing the growth of lacustrine plant species.
Many fascinating aspects characterize Lake Massaciuccoli. One of these is the presence of wooden and sheet-metal structures, built like stilt houses, which, despite their poor condition, still hold great appeal for tourists.
The lake is an important transit and resting point for migratory birds such as ospreys, terns, rare little grebes, and gulls. The presence of this wetland area, rich in reeds, allows nesting for birds such as the purple heron, little bittern, marsh harrier, marsh tit, the rare and beautiful penduline tit, the kingfisher, the willow warbler, the reed warbler, and the sedge warbler.
The entire Massaciuccoli lake district falls within the boundaries of the Migliarino – San Rossore – Massaciuccoli Regional Park. The Park has received the European Diploma for Protected Areas. It extends along the coastal strip between Pisa and Lucca and also includes the former Presidential Estate of San Rossore, the pine forests of Tombolo, Migliarino, and Macchia Lucchese.
Sea
The beaches of Versilia are beautiful and renowned, stretching from Forte dei Marmi to the famous Viareggio.
Versilia is very extensive, both in length and width: it stretches from Forte dei Marmi in the north to Viareggio. Most of the beaches are private, with bathing establishments of varying levels of amenities. The long stretches of golden sand offer something for every type of tourist: families can find safe beaches with gently sloping sandy bottoms suitable for children, young people can enjoy the excitement of beach parties and water fun, while those seeking tranquility can easily find quiet spots immersed in nature.
Forte dei Marmi
A symbol of Versilia, it fully embodies the mix of seaside relaxation and entertainment. Considered a chic and trendy destination, it’s no surprise that it has the best-equipped beaches. The beach is a long stretch of high-quality bathing establishments, equipped with showers, umbrellas, sunbeds, bars, cabins, and seaside restaurants, allowing visitors to have lunch or dinner practically on the water.
Lido di Camaiore
Characterized by wide beaches of fine golden sand, with views of the imposing Apuan Alps. The beaches are well-equipped and modern, accompanied by a promenade lined with shops, bars, and restaurants.
Marina di Pietrasanta
A large sandy beach accessible via a cycling path. In addition to the coastline, which has both free areas and fully equipped bathing establishments, Marina di Pietrasanta features a fresh pine forest at its back—the same that inspired D’Annunzio. The peaks of the Apuan Alps, about 15 km from the coast, complete this picturesque setting. After the beach, visitors can reach the center of Pietrasanta, a true cultural hub of Versilia, full of marble workshops, ateliers, and foundries. Around the elegant Piazza del Duomo in the historic center, there are small restaurants, galleries, and shops.
Viareggio
With its ten kilometers of sandy coastline, dotted with about a hundred bathing establishments, it is one of the most important tourist centers, suitable for visitors of all ages seeking either relaxation or entertainment. On holidays and during peak season, finding a parking spot can be difficult. Therefore, the Municipality of Viareggio has established paid parking along the entire coast. After the beach, it is recommended to take a walk near the establishments, where you can admire characteristic Liberty-style buildings or take advantage of numerous restaurants, bars, and fashionable shops.
Spiaggia di Levante
This area is easy to reach and stretches from the Darsena of Viareggio and Torre del Lago to Marina di Pisa. The Darsena, with its multitude of bathing establishments, lies right next to a protected area, from which the sea can be accessed via the famous Viale dei Tigli. For those wishing to spend the entire day here, it is useful to know that these beaches do not have all the amenities of a private establishment, but offer the unparalleled opportunity to be in close contact with breathtaking natural beauty.
Free Beaches
Versilia’s free beaches are mainly located in the Darsena area. At the end of the row of seaside establishments, there is a section dedicated to free bathing. La Lecciona, one of the most famous free beaches in Versilia, stretches over more than twenty kilometers through Mediterranean scrub and is lined by a dense pine forest with charming shaded pathways.
Mountain
The Apuan Alps are ideal for mountain lovers: they offer unique views and unmissable activities.
For mountain lovers, the Apuan Alps are the perfect destination.
The highest peak is Mount Pisanino, which rises to 1,947 meters. This wild and unspoiled environment, covered in oak and mixed forests, offers numerous trails for hikers and mountain enthusiasts, as well as more challenging routes for experienced climbers.
There are also plenty of spots for birdwatching, where you might catch sight of snow voles, golden eagles, red-legged partridges, and alpine swallows.
Thanks to their limestone origin, the Alps are home to stunning and majestic caves, such as the Antro del Corchia, considered the deepest abyss in Italy. With around 53 kilometers of tunnels and shafts, it holds the national record for the largest underground karst system. Its elevation difference – 1,187 meters from the highest opening to the bottom – is also among the highest in both Italy and Europe.
Abetone
Located in the Pistoia Mountains and reachable by car in about an hour and a half from Massarosa, Abetone is the perfect spot for skiing enthusiasts. The resort offers 50 km of slopes, with around 30 runs and 21 ski lifts. For cross-country skiing lovers, there are 8 kilometers of trails and a dedicated loop.
If you’re in search of snow, you can also choose from several other destinations in the Garfagnana region: Careggine, Passo delle Radici, and Casone di Profecchia, all located between the peaks of the Apuan Alps and the Apennines.
Even in summer, the mountains hold an incredible charm. During the warmer months, they become a paradise waiting to be discovered and explored — especially for families with children, who can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities and events designed for fun and adventure in nature.
Nature puts on an impressive show at the Orecchiella Park as well. Located in Alta Garfagnana and reachable in about two hours by car (approximately 90 km from the Podere), the park offers a chance to observe animals like deer, mouflons, and brown bears in their natural habitat.
Tra Arte e Natura
History and nature offer wonderful opportunities for excursions that blend art and the natural world.
Massaciuccoli romana
When it comes to art and history, the first place to mention is undoubtedly Massaciuccoli Romana, located just a short distance from the Podere. A few minutes by car are enough to reach this charming little village that stretches along the shores of the lake bearing the same name.
Today, it may seem like a quiet and secluded spot, but in ancient times it was one of the most important centers in the area — connected by land and water to Pisa, Lucca, and the harbors between the Magra and Arno rivers. Already flourishing in Etruscan times, Massaciuccoli became the site of prestigious buildings during the Roman era, thanks to its splendid location nestled between hills and the lake, with the sea just a short distance away.
Must-see highlights when visiting Massaciuccoli Romana: the mosaic, the villa, and the archaeological site.
In 1932, the building with a mosaic floor was discovered — part of a larger complex still being excavated in the site on Via Pietro a Padule.
Climbing up to the Pieve di San Lorenzo, visitors can admire the monumental remains of the Villa of the Venulei family, built in the early 1st century AD and scenically overlooking the lake.
The archaeological site (opened in 2006) covers a large portion of Roman Massaciuccoli and is open to the public, allowing visitors to observe archaeologists at work in real time.
The house of giacomo Puccini
About 18 km from the Podere is the Museum House of the great composer Giacomo Puccini. Here lie the composer’s remains, along with a rich collection of artifacts and memorabilia from his life and illustrious musical career. The museum is expertly managed by Simonetta Puccini, the maestro’s great-granddaughter.
The site is easily reachable by car and features a large and convenient parking area for both cars and buses.
Etruscan Settlement of Bora dei Frati – Pietrasanta
Between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, Etruscan settlements were established on the hills that now overlook the Versilia plain. These locations were strategically chosen to maintain control over both the coastal area — home to important maritime trade hubs — and the mountainous hinterland.
One such site is the Bora dei Frati hill, just 18 km from the Podere. Overlooking the alluvial terrace of the Versilia River, it was home to a village founded at the end of the 4th century BC and abandoned in the second half of the 3rd century BC.
Grotta del Vento (Wind Cave)
Located in Garfagnana, in the heart of the Apuan Alps Park, the Grotta del Vento lies in an area rich in spectacular karst phenomena. Set in a striking natural landscape, this cave system showcases an extraordinary variety of underground features: from shimmering stalactites and stalagmites to small lakes, underground streams, erosion formations, mud deposits, and even perfectly vertical shafts — all accessible via well-maintained pathways.
With several tour options available, it’s a perfect destination for outdoor excursions. The internal temperature is a constant +10.7°C, with a relative humidity of about 99%, so visitors are advised to wear appropriate clothing.
How to get there:
Grotta del Vento is 60 km from the Podere. After reaching Lucca, take the S.S. 12 “Abetone e del Brennero” to Ponte a Moriano (approx. 8.5 km). Cross the Serchio River and continue along the main valley road to Gallicano (approx. 36 km). From there, follow the road past the Lake of Trombacco to Fornovolasco (approx. 44 km). A short drive uphill through three valleys will take you directly to the cave entrance.
For current prices and opening hours, please visit the official website.
Antro del Corchia
Located at the foot of Mount Corchia in the Apuan Alps, just 33 km from the Podere in the village of Stazzema, the Antro del Corchia is the most extensive karst system in Italy.
The only way to visit is with a guided tour along a 2-kilometer route equipped with secure steel walkways and stairs. The visit lasts about 2 hours, at a steady internal temperature of 7°C, with a maximum elevation change of 43 meters.
The entrance ticket also includes access to the Levigliani Museums, which cover significant aspects of local history and the environment. These include:
The Museum of Community and Enterprise “Lavorare Liberi”
The Museum of Folded Stone
The tourist route through the old mining tunnels is particularly captivating, featuring detailed reconstructions of working scenes that transport visitors back in time, offering a glimpse into the tough reality of life in the mines.
In August, special night tours are also organized for an even more magical experience.
For current entry fees and tour times, please consult the official website.
Feste e Sagre
From spring through to Christmas, a rich calendar of festivals and local fairs brings centuries-old traditions to life.
APRIL
“Agro-Zootechnical Fair – Environment and Tourism”
This annual event is perfect for the whole family — a journey into the world of agriculture and age-old traditions. The fair features floriculture, food and wine tastings, local crafts, animals, rodeos, and much more. Over two days, visitors can discover the region’s rural past through exhibitions, tasting workshops, children’s entertainment, gardening tools, local food and wine products, and domestic and farm animals. The event hosts around 100 exhibitors.
“Fish Festival” – Organized by Fratres Massaciuccoli
Held in late April/early May on the shores of Lake Massaciuccoli in the town of Massarosa, this traditional festival features a rich menu of both lake and sea fish, including local specialties like eel and frog. Dishes range from risottos to fried fish. Food stands are open every evening for dinner, and on Sundays and holidays also for lunch. Live music is performed nightly by a variety of bands, and nature lovers can enjoy excursions and cycling tours in the surrounding natural park.
MAY
“Olive Oil and Olives Festival” – Saturdays and Sundays
Organized by the Misericordia of Piano del Quercione, this local fair is a celebration of home-style cooking, featuring dishes seasoned with local extra virgin olive oil and accompanied by delicious olives. A highlight of the menu is the tagliarini with beans. Food stands are open every evening for dinner.
“Madonna of the Lake and the Palio dei Barchini” – Massaciuccoli
This beloved small-boat race has taken place annually on the second Sunday of May since 1967. Originally held entirely on the lake in Massaciuccoli, the race now starts in Torre del Lago and finishes at the Massaciuccoli harbor. Up to 35 teams from Massarosa, Viareggio, and the Pisa area have participated in this festive competition, accompanied by food stalls and local vendors stretching beyond the village square.
JUNE
“Rustic Vegetable Soup Festival” – Friday to Sunday
Held in the former Zoo Park of Piano del Quercione, this event showcases both land and sea specialties from the local culinary tradition. Visitors can enjoy live music, two dance floors, a tombola, and other entertainment. The highlight is the rustic vegetable soup, but a wide variety of other regional dishes are also available.
“Sunset on the Lake” – Organized by LIPU Oasis Massaciuccoli
Held at dusk, this enchanting event promotes the preservation of Lake Massaciuccoli’s biodiversity. It begins with a buffet of local products, wines, and cocktails, followed by a guided boat tour through the reeds as birdsong echoes across the water. Expert guides explain the unique natural habitats and the species that call the lake home.
“Rock and Go” – Live Music Contest
A music competition for up-and-coming bands, organized by the Volunteers of the Misericordia of Massarosa with support from the local council. Held at the open-air theater in the “Caduti di Nassirya” Park, the event is a celebration of youth and local talent.
JULY
Beer Festival – Piano del Quercione
Held over the first three weekends of July (Friday–Sunday), this festival is all about craft beer. Local breweries, including the renowned Birrificio degli Archi, showcase their best products for public tasting and feedback. Naturally, there’s also traditional food: pasta, soups, roasted meats, sausages, and fries. Evenings are capped off with ballroom dancing, Latin music, and throwback hits from the 60s and beyond.
“Frog and Snail Festival” – Various dates
A unique and long-awaited event in the community, featuring two traditional dishes: frogs and snails. Historically popular due to the abundance of these animals in the Lake Massaciuccoli area, the menu also includes other Versilian specialties. Held in Parco degli Sterpeti, food stands open nightly, followed by live music and dancing.
“Lace and Embroidery” – Last Weekend of July, Gualdo
Set in the medieval village of Gualdo, this charming event brings old crafts to life with traditional foods, street performers, and artisans. Bread ovens throughout the village are fired up to bake focaccine and panucciori, served with local cured meats. The “Antiqua Versiliese” troupe entertains with medieval songs and dances.
Admission is free, and purchases are made using the unique local currency — the “Soldo Gualdiccio”, available at the village entrance.
AUGUST
“Fish Festival” – Montramito (Mid-August)
This seafood lovers’ event features typical Versilian fish dishes and is organized by the local Volunteer Blood Donor Association. Hosted in La Gulfa, the festival also includes children’s games and dancing for all ages.
“Bruschetta Festival” – Quiesa (Last Two Weeks of August)
One of Versilia’s most popular local festivals, celebrating the simplicity and flavor of traditional foods. Taste bruschetta in endless varieties, along with tordelli, grilled meats, pizza, and more. Held in the Molinaccio sports field area.
“Pupporina and Tordello Festival” – Bozzano (First Two Weeks of August)
Dedicated to two iconic local dishes: the pupporina — a round, anise-flavored sweet traditionally made in honor of Saint Bartholomew (August 24) — and the famous tordello, filled with seasoned meat and herbs. Organized by the Fratres Blood Donor Group of Bozzano, the festival features nightly dinners, live entertainment, music, and a tombola.
“Summer Harvest” – Last Sunday of August
Children can stomp grapes in traditional vats while adults enjoy tastings of wine and olive oil at Tenuta Mariani in Quiesa, on the road to Massaciuccoli.
SEPTEMBER
“Porcini Mushroom Festival” – Piano di Conca
Held between late August and early September in La Gulfa, this culinary festival highlights porcini mushrooms and other Tuscan specialties, especially tordelli. The event also includes live music, a beer tent, children’s games, and a tombola with great prizes.
“Pork Shank, Taglierini and Beans Festival” – Piano del Quercione
Running during the same period, this festival offers hearty home-cooked fare like taglierini with beans and roasted pork shank. With two dance floors and a variety of music (from ballroom to Latin), it’s a vibrant end-of-summer event.
OCTOBER
“Roasted Chestnut and Fried Dough Festival” – Bargecchia
For three weekends in October (Saturdays and Sundays), the Croce Verde Collinare hosts this autumn-themed food festival. Enjoy mondine (roasted chestnuts), quartuccio fritto (fried bread dough), tordelli, vegetable soup, roast beef, tripe, and more — all paired with good wine and live music.
DECEMBER
“Christmas Magic” – Holiday Markets
Wander through the festive markets that fill the streets of Massarosa and surrounding villages. Expect music on every corner, the scent of traditional foods, and warm welcomes from local merchants. Children can meet Santa Claus in person and share their Christmas wishes. In the historic center of Massarosa, don’t miss the Living Nativity Scene — a spectacular re-enactment with over 200 actors recreating the Nativity, a Roman encampment, ancient trades, a synagogue, and daily life scenes in a beautifully staged setting.
Musica e Concerti
Concerts and festivals are a must in regions where the love for art has such deep and ancient roots.
The Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago
This is one of the most eagerly awaited cultural events in the province of Lucca and all of Tuscany. It is Italy’s most important opera festival and the only one in the world entirely dedicated to the composer Giacomo Puccini. Held every summer, in July and August, the festival takes place in the very locations that inspired the Maestro.
Founded in 1930, just a few years after Puccini’s death, it has grown into a prestigious event that draws thousands of spectators from all over the world. The operas are staged in a large open-air theatre with around 3,400 seats, set right on the shores of Lake Massaciuccoli.
Advance booking is strongly recommended. All information about programmes and ticket prices is available on the official website of the Festival.
The Viareggio Carnival
The Viareggio Carnival is steeped in history: the first edition was held in 1873. Today, it ranks among the most famous carnivals in the world—second only to Rio de Janeiro in international recognition.
In the past, the floats were built all over the city—in market arcades, in theatres, even between buildings. Today, everything revolves around the Cittadella del Carnevale, inaugurated on December 15, 2001. It is the largest themed complex in Italy dedicated to masks and carnival art.
Here you’ll find the workshops where the papier-mâché giants are brought to life, massive hangars that store the floats, two museums, and a historical archive. In summer, the large elliptical square becomes an arena for concerts and major performances.
For a whole month—between February and March—the city transforms into a true factory of fun, with:
parades of giant floats
night parties
fireworks
masquerade balls
theatre performances
food festivals
even international sporting events
A triple cannon blast fired from the sea signals the start of the parade. For updates and full calendar details, visit the Carnival’s official website.
La Versiliana Festival
The Parco della Versiliana is what remains of the ancient coastal forest known as the Macchia di Marina. Once under the protection of the Captaincy of Pietrasanta, it was later transformed into a noble estate by the Digerini Nuti family in the 19th century. The villa, built in 1886, was named La Versiliana by writer Renato Fucini, a frequent guest.
In 1906, Gabriele D’Annunzio stayed here and wrote his famous poem La pioggia nel pineto.
In 1980, the estate was purchased by the Municipality of Pietrasanta and turned into a public park. Today, it hosts the well-known Festival La Versiliana, which takes place each summer in the area around the villa. The event includes theatre, music, literature, and children’s programmes, drawing national attention year after year.
Further details and schedules can be found on the festival’s official website.
Versilia Chamber Music Festival in Pieve a Elici
This renowned festival of chamber music has been running for over 40 years and features a refined programme of string, piano, and wind concerts. Ten concerts over the course of July and August, performed in a venue with perfect acoustics and set against a breathtaking backdrop.
The festival is organised by the Municipality of Massarosa in collaboration with the Lucchese Music Association.
Corsanico Festival
Set in the artistic setting of the Pieve di San Michele Arcangelo in Corsanico, this international festival of classical music is dedicated to organ performances. It is organised by the Cultural Association Amici della Musica d’Organo Vincenzo Colonna.
The festival features eight concerts—four in July and four in August—all centred around the magnificent, world-renowned organ built in 1602 by Venetian master organ builder Vincenzo Colonna.
This historical instrument is the heart and soul of the event, offering audiences a unique listening experience in a truly sacred space.
