This week we have been talking all about adventures in Tuscany and some of the most scenic spots that are located around the province of Lucca and it would be remiss of us, therefore, not to mention Foce a Giovo. If you have found a luxury villa in Tuscany or a luxury villa in Lucca, in particular, and are looking for places to enjoy outdoor pursuits, get some fresh air, and take in incredible views, Foce a Giovo is an excellent place to head to for a day-trip full of fun, action, and adventure!
Foce a Giovo is the name of a famously scenic mountain pass that cuts through the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and is crossed by a semi-asphalted road that is asphalted for some of the Tuscan portion of the path but totally unpaved on the Emilian side of the pass. Connecting the Tagliole Valley in the Panaro Basin on the Emilian side with the Val Fegana and the River Serchio on the Tuscan side, the route was once known as the ancient Via Ducale and was a great labour of love of Maria Luisa di Borbone, Duchess of Lucca and Francesco IV, Duke of Modena. The two wished to build a great road that would directly connect Modena and Lucca and allow them to forgo passing through the customs of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Work began in 1819 and was completed in 1829 though the road only actually remained in regular use for twenty years before deep snow on the pass and a changing of the relationship between the two duchies saw the route abandoned.
Today, much of the route is only used by hikers and mountain bikers who come to enjoy the fresh air, interesting trail, and incredible views. If you have found a luxury villa in Lucca and are looking for a historic and entertaining hiking route to explore, this is one of the best options around!