The final stage of the Via Matildica del Volto Santo is the most “anthropized,” meaning it is where human activity is most present, both in the form of residential and industrial areas. However, it still offers expansive views and historical and spiritual monuments.
The entire stage is well-served by public transport, particularly the Aulla-Lucca railway line, with stations at Borgo a Mozzano, Diecimo, and Ponte a Moriano.
We leave the town of Borgo a Mozzano to the southeast, heading toward the town cemetery and the ecological island, where a short trail begins that will lead us to cross the small pedestrian underpass of the railway. From here, a small road takes us across the busy provincial road at the monument commemorating the Liberation struggle. (Exercise extreme caution when crossing!) We are now on a secondary road that passes alongside the sports facilities and continues straight toward the hamlet of Diecimo on dirt roads amidst the valley’s olive groves. Upon reaching Diecimo, we must ascend toward the provincial road (be cautious of the right turn just after the old football fields) to reach the town center, crossing the provincial road again at the pedestrian crossing.
In Diecimo, we will visit the ancient Pieve di Santa Maria, built by Matilde di Canossa.
Leaving Diecimo, we cross a road bridge (be cautious of traffic) and head toward the industrial area, passing through it entirely until the turnoff for Valdottavo. This section runs alongside the busy provincial road next to industrial warehouses. The area requiring the most attention is the 300 meters before the turnoff for Valdottavo.
Upon reaching Valdottavo, we must take the left road leading up to San Donato/Domazzano.
Arriving at San Donato and its small, ancient church, the Via Matildica turns right.
In San Donato, to follow the Via Matildica, shortly after turning right, there is a widening (usually used as a wood storage area), from where a wide dirt road descends on the left (!) and in about 1.5 kilometers leads us near a house. At the fork, we keep right, heading toward the forest on a dirt road.
Exiting the forest, we continue right until a small ford. Here begins the ascent on a comfortable dirt road that will soon take us to the locality of A Bertolacci.
From here, following the paved road with some ups and downs, we reach an intersection where we turn left. After about 1.5 kilometers, at the intersection with Via Colle di Orzala, near a small votive shrine, we turn left.
A 2-kilometer stretch with panoramic views toward both Lucca and the mountains brings us to the village of Aquilea, followed by a swift descent toward Ponte a Moriano. Here, we must cross the bridge over the Serchio and, turning right, reach the entrance to the pedestrian and cyclist path that runs alongside the stream for about 10 kilometers, almost up to the walls of Lucca, the long-awaited and beautiful final destination of the Via Matildica del Volto Santo.
