The borgo of Altopascio, situated on the via Francigena approximately 20 km from Lucca, is also known as the “city of bread” because of traditions linked to the cereal.
In the Middle Ages, this was the site of the Spedale (Medieval Hospice) di Altopascio which provided assistance to pilgrims, managed by a hospitaller order known as the Cavalieri del Tau (Knights of Tau), Cavalieri di Altopascio (Knights of Altopascio) or the Hospitallers of Saint James.
Piazza Ospitalieri, the heart of the historical centre, features a 16th century loggia which was once part of the hospital and the Piaggione building which houses the municipal library.
The historical centre features numerous buildings of notable artistic value such as the Church of St. James Major, the borgo’s principal centre of worship, which characterised by a medieval façade adorned with green and white marble stripes. To the right stands a majestic bell tower dating to 1280 with windows and crenelations.
Not far from the residential centre of Altopascio are the Badia di San Pietro, a 12th century abbey located in Badia a Pozzeveri, and the Nature Reserve of Lake Sibolla.
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