Altopascio, Medieval commune in Province of Lucca, Italy
Altopascio is a small Italian commune in the Province of Lucca with traditional stone buildings arranged along narrow streets that follow the typical pattern of Tuscan settlements. The town occupies gently rolling terrain and retains the appearance of a medieval place with its compact layout and modest scale.
The place emerged as a stopping point on an important pilgrimage route and became established in the 11th century as a major center for caring for travelers. This role shaped how the settlement developed and gave it economic and social stability across several centuries.
The Church of San Jacopo stands at the heart of the town with its solid Romanesque tower and simple stone facade. Walking through the streets, you notice how this religious structure still anchors the community's sense of place.
The town sits on the rail line between Lucca and Florence, making it easy to reach by regional train service. The center is small and walkable on foot, simple to explore without getting lost.
A military order was founded here and for centuries served as both protector and provider for pilgrims, a rare combination of defensive and charitable roles. This dual mission made the place a truly distinctive stop on the medieval travel route.
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