Start walking at the front door
This short hike climbs directly from La Limonaia through olive groves and woodland. Its goal is the old church of San Leonardo al Castellaccio, high above Aquilea.
You get a real hill walk without driving anywhere. The climb is steady, the views open up quickly and the pool is waiting when you return.
No journey before the walk
Walk out from La Limonaia and start climbing through the lanes and tracks above Aquilea. The first part passes houses and olive terraces. It soon feels quiet and rural.
The outward leg does most of the work. Take it steadily and turn around often. Views over the Lucca plain and Monte Pisano appear behind you as you gain height.
Short but properly uphill
About 200 metres of ascent arrives in less than 2.5 kilometres. Expect a steady effort on the way up.
The route uses lanes, farm tracks and rougher paths. Some sections can be uneven, loose or muddy.
Several tracks look alike. Download the route before leaving and keep your phone charged.
The turning point
The hilltop site began as part of a medieval castle linked to the bishops of Lucca. A church stood here by the thirteenth century. The remains visible today were heavily damaged during the fighting around the Gothic Line in 1944.
The old church is a ruin, not an open visitor attraction. Enjoy the site and the view from outside. Do not enter closed or unsafe parts of the structure.
Then retrace the route. The return is mostly downhill, but loose surfaces deserve care.
The way home
The return follows the same quiet landscape back towards La Limonaia. It is quicker than the climb, but this is when tired legs and loose ground matter most.
Once you reach the house, the whole outing has taken less than a morning. That is what makes this walk such a good option on a day when you do not want to plan anything else.
Choose the right moment
Before you step outside
Distance, elevation and recorded time come from Joost’s Komoot activity. Information about San Leonardo comes from Puccini Lands, FAI and the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca. Conditions can change, so use your own judgement on the day.
The three hiking photos were taken by Joost de Valk on this route. The image of La Limonaia comes from the house gallery.
