Vecchiano | Filettole

Filettole is the hamlet in the municipality of Vecchiano that still has a historic core with a building pattern and typology most similar to the Lucca area. Of uncertain origin, Roman or medieval, it is located on the right bank of the Serchio river, opposite Ripafratta. Always on the border between rivals Pisa and Lucca, it has always been the scene of bitter struggles. Under the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, it became the seat of customs for goods and people passing through to and from the Duchy of Lucca. The town is dominated by the bulk of the castle, known as Castellaccio, built in the Middle Ages on a pre-existing female monastery dedicated to Saint Viviana. The derogatory name derives from its owner Giovanni Gambacorti, who in 1406 negotiated with the Florentines the surrender of Filettole and was therefore considered a traitor. The imposing and turreted castle was abandoned until the 19th century, when the then owner decided to transform it into a residential villa.

In the village is the Church of San Maurizio, mentioned among the assets of Lucca’s cathedral before the year 1000. Having been altered several times, a few vestiges remain of the original structures in the southern flank. Incorporated in the church is the bell tower, without openings, built between the 13th-14th centuries and restored in 2011, recovering its original appearance. The interior, a single hall with a vaulted roof and frescoed dome, preserves the 19th-century interventions that enhanced the presbytery area with the cycle of frescoes depicting the feats of Saints Maurice, Bibbiana and Francis Xavier, “Trinity and Glory of Saints, with Pisan Saints”, by Luigi Ademollo. Of great value is the 16th century miraculous Crucifix (during the Manzoni plague). This miracle is celebrated every year on the second Friday in March with a feast and solemn procession. A Madonna del Rosario from the 17th century is also of great devotion.