Not to the confused with one in Monaco, the Italian Montecarlo is a tiny medieval town in the hills behind Lucca. The town was founded by Charles IV after freeing Lucca from Pisan dominatio. The name came from the Latin, Mons Caroli, Charles’ mountain.
Three of the original fifteen gates in the defensive walls are still intact. The collegiate church of Sant’Andrea was originally built in the first half of the 16th century and reconstructed in the 18th century. There is a tiny theatre, Teatro dei Rassicurati, where Puccini often visited. The parish Church of San Piero stands at the foot of the Cerrugii Hill. It is one of Tuscany’s oldest, with its origins in the earliest days of Christianity.
Our main reason for the visit was lunch. I will return to see the above attractions. The town is now on the centre of a major wine producing area, with beautiful surrounding vineyards.
We had a delicious lunch…pasta with porcini mushrooms and cinta sinese pork
Montecarlo is a delightful place to visit.