On a small rise, a parish church emerges haughtily from a well-kept lawn that sets off the grey stone structure.
No element of the surroundings disturbs the atmosphere; just below, a small road winds its way through the greenery, framed by low walls, and opposite the leafy entrance to an ancient villa.
This is the parish church of Gattaiola, Sant'Andrea.
The interior does not disappoint with its trussed ceiling, painted apse, bare white stone walls, everything inviting meditation.
A small door gives access to the inner courtyard, with the rectory and an old well at the foot of the ancient bell tower.
All elements harmonize perfectly with each other.
A special thanks to the very kind custodian who allowed us to visit.

The small road passes through small clusters of houses and, in the distance, another parish church partially hidden by rich vegetation.
This is the church of San Michele, with its very clear stone façade and flanked by a small rectory.
Unfortunately closed.

A note:
the last three pictures show a section of the Via Pisana, which we travelled on our return.

Short historical note:
Little is known about the villas, which date from the second half of the 16th century to the end of the 17th century.

Relative to the parish churches encountered:

Pieve di San Giorgio (Vicopelago): the first church dates back to the end of the 10th century, but minimal traces remain of the Romanesque part as it was replaced by the present one in 1850.
Pieve di Santo Stefano Protomartire (Pozzuolo): already recorded in 970, minimal traces remain, the current form dates back to 1600
Pieve di Sant'Andrea (Gattaiola): the earliest historical records date back to the 8th century, enlarged in 1170 and modified by interventions in the 17th century
Pieve di San Michele (Montuolo): documented before the year 1000, enlarged in 1852 by removing the apse and adding the transept, thus resulting in a Latin cross shape.

For more info:
the splendid Lucchesia - part 1 of 2
www.chieseitaliane...it: chiesa di Sant'Andrea
www.diocesilucca.it: chiesa di San-Michele Arcangelo