Pieve di Controne is a small village in a beautiful rural setting in the Controneria area. It is 565 metres above sea level and 8 kilometres from the centre of Bagni di Lucca.
From the main road from La Villa towards San Cassiano, take the road through San Gemignano. From there you will drive through a pretty forest for one kilometre until you reach Pieve di Controne.
The parish church is dedicated to San Giovanni Battista. It was previously the church of Santo Stefano which was mentioned in a parchment in 884 AD. It was one of 28 churches founded by San Frediano.
In the 14th century there was a landslide which ruined the entrance, so another was built on the other side. Both facades are visible today, making the church very interesting indeed. It was not open the day I was there. I will return to see the stone font and the organ built in 1773 by Michelangelo Crudelli.
The bell tower was built in the 19th century and has the largest bells in the territory of Bagni di Lucca.
Few people live in Pieve di Controne today. The lucky ones who make it home have some of the best views in the area. There are lovely gardens and areas of cultivation. Come for a walk with me through the village.
I visited Pieve di Controne in late spring. I’m sure it would just as lovely in other seasons, especially autumn when the chestnut trees turn golden…I will be back.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
I agree, Debra. it is a beautiful village.
I loved the rural setting of Pieve di Controne. It is on a beautiful plateau, quite different from the other mountain villages.
For pictures of inside the church, which is very beautiful, and an interesting piece of history see my post at http://longoio.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/from-pieve-di-controni-to-eltham-palace/
Thank you Francis. The interior is indeed beautiful, I must return.
Looks gorgeous & a visit is needed
I don’t know why I waited so long to visit Pieve di Controne, it is lovely.
Thanks Debra. Another lovely village.
I am gradually visiting all the villages that make up Bagni di Lucca.
Great post to have my cafe and share with your amazing photos and information!!!!
Thank you
Each of the villages that make up Bagni di Lucca is different and beautiful in its own way.
Oh just take me there, now.
Pieve di Controne is a beautiful village. I look forward to another visit in autumn.
How do churches change saints? How come? Why?
I have no idea!
I will ask around, really curious. Thanks!
Oh those lovely walls….. and doors!
There is no shortage of lovely old doors in the villages.
what a glorious paese – it is beautiful to see them from trains, peaking out from the hills. I find it sad that few live there – are the houses abandoned?
Some of the houses are completely empty. In summer many families come back from bigger cities to spend a few weeks in the village. There are outdoor parties and the village comes to life.
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I want to go there- NOW!