Vecchiano | Castle of Avane and the Eagle Tower

The remains of castles or towers scattered across the territory represent elements of historical-architectural value and territorial organisation. Numerous are the remains of the medieval defence system that characterised these border lands: the Cotone Castle, the Castiglione Castle, the Torre dell’Aquila, the Castle, the Monastery of Santa Viviana di Filettole, the Castle of Avane, as well as the Rocca di Ripafratta.

Castello di Avane: The hamlet is located near a bend in the Serchio river, north of Vecchiano. Of Longobard origin, it was often the scene of battles between Lucca and Pisa, becoming part of the latter’s system of fortifications. In fact, the territory was dotted with military towers that acted as lookouts and gave the alarm in the event of an enemy attack to the nearest tower until alerting the city. What remains of the ancient castle that stood at the bridge over the Serchio is the apex tower. Torre dell’Aquila or Torre Segata: was part of a large group of fortifications between the two rival towns. Some stone pillars that marked its position are still present along the road leading to the tower. The structure, more than 20 m high with an unusual hexagonal plan, has only survived from the Lucchese side. Legend has it that the Pisans demolished the tower on their side of the border so as not to share possession with the Lucchese. It was built in 1264 as part of the watchtowers built by the Pisans after conquering the Lucchese fortresses of Castiglione and Cotone on the Filettole mountains.

The ‘Salviamo La Rocca’ Association has started, together with the ‘Il Castello’ Association of Nozzano and the Vecchianese Archaeological Group, a common path to valorise these historical testimonies. The objective is to divulge their knowledge, promote them as an itinerary, and recover them as common heritage of the territory beyond administrative borders.