The standing remains of the walls of Castello Lupari give Benabbio a tangible point of reference for its history: the ruins lie on a hill northeast of the village. The area also has churches, a collection of sacred art built up over centuries, and a wooden group of figures dating from the 14th century. Visitors who choose Benabbio for its cultural history will find a range of evidence here that can be understood in its historical and thematic context.

Castle and churches: traces of the Middle Ages

Castello Lupari reached its greatest extent in the 13th century. At the time, the castle was an important administrative centre that controlled the entire Val di Lima. Today, standing sections of the walls are all that remain of the complex. Its position on the hill northeast of Benabbio helps visitors understand the castle as a distinct historical landmark of the village.

The Chiesa di S. Michele stands within the walls of the old castle. An inscription attests that it was built in 1218. This places its construction in the same century in which Castello Lupari reached its greatest extent. The two dates highlight different aspects: one points to the castle’s development, the other to a specific piece of evidence relating to the history of church construction.

Sacred art in several locations

The Museo di Arte Sacra di Benabbio (MABe) grew out of a collection of art and cultural history treasures assembled over the centuries by the parish of Santa Maria Assunta and other religious institutions associated with it in the surrounding area. The collection is spread across three main locations. The museum’s main site is the Oratorio della Santissima Trinità; the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta and the Oratorio del Santissimo Sacramento are also part of it. Visitors planning a museum trip should bear this layout in mind.

Another important work of art is housed in the Chiesa di Santa Maria in Benabbio: a wooden Annunciation group dating from the 14th century by Piero d’Angelo di Guarnerio, the father of Jacopo della Quercia. The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta in Benabbio was built in 1338 and is one of the MABe’s three locations. Together, the churches and the museum collection reveal different aspects of Benabbio’s sacred art and architectural history; the similar-sounding church names refer to different places.

The Via degli Oratori also connects religious buildings: ten oratories and churches mark the stages of the route. This provides a separate way to explore the sacred sites, alongside visiting the museum and viewing individual works of art. No walking time or route length is given here; the specific stages are the relevant guide for planning your own visit.

Plan your journey and visit

The road to Benabbio passes through acacia woods and by numerous olive groves. Bus route E44 connects Bagni di Lucca with the hamlet of Benabbio. Check the current timetable before travelling, as services and operators may change.

Benabbio has a car park a short walk from the museum, at Corte Cesare Viviani. Further parking spaces are located around the church and along the main roads through the village. If you need a specific parking space, check the parking situation before travelling, as availability may change.

The MABe can currently be visited by making an appointment by phone at 3468298282. Check the visiting arrangements in advance by calling this number, as they may change. This makes it possible to coordinate museum plans with your journey without assuming fixed opening hours or a particular order for the visit.

Discover more destinations: Lugliano, Scesta, Montefegatesi, Fornoli, Lucchio, Granaiola, Pieve Di Monti Di Villa, Casabasciana.

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