Parole d'oro

Imagine a peaceful place where the majesty of human thought harmoniously blends with the Tuscan landscape. Parole d'oro (The Golden Words) is a picturesque spot in the municipality of Capannori, located right next to the city of Lucca. Italy is famous for its hidden treasures, and this location is one of them, offering travelers tranquility and aesthetic pleasure.

Golden Words. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This site is a key point of the famous Nottolini Aqueduct (Acquedotto del Nottolini), an outstanding 19th-century engineering monument. Here ends (or begins for many) the route along the majestic stone arches through which crystal-clear mountain water was once delivered to the city. Today, Parole d'oro serves as a favorite spot for walks, meditation, and outdoor relaxation.

Thanks to its high rating among visitors and its location among the hills, the landmark attracts hikers and cyclists alike. An atmosphere of serenity and the opportunity to touch living history make this place a must-visit for those seeking inspiration away from the busy tourist trails.

If you are planning to visit Parole d'oro, these coordinates will come in handy. The site is located outdoors, making it easy to include in your itinerary around the city.

The main activity here is walking or cycling along the monumental aqueduct. The route passes through 400 elegant stone arches with a total length of 3.5 km, creating a unique backdrop for your photos. Cyclists often include this stretch in their journey, enjoying panoramic views of Mount Vorno and the surrounding forests.

Be sure to notice the architectural details: decorative pillars are located every 17 arches, emphasizing the structure's classical style. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, Parole d'oro offers ideal conditions for a picnic. The clean mountain air and the silence of the natural zone promote complete relaxation.

Many tourists use this place as a starting point for exploring the surroundings, climbing to panoramic viewpoints or visiting the nearby "casina delle rose." It is a great spot for nature watching and taking striking selfies against the backdrop of the endless arcade that seems to stretch into infinity.

Getting to this landmark from the city center is quite fast—the distance is only about 3–4 kilometers. The most popular and pleasant way is to rent a bicycle or take a walk starting from the Cisterna di San Concordio area. The path runs along the aqueduct line, so it's practically impossible to get lost, and the walk itself takes about 30–45 minutes.

If you prefer to drive, head toward the municipality of Capannori at 55012 Capannori. It is most convenient to leave your car in the parking lot near the "casina delle rose," from where a scenic path leads to Parole d'oro. A taxi ride from the main square or the train station will take no more than 15 minutes.

Public transport also runs toward Capannori, but keep in mind that you will have to walk a bit from the bus stop. For navigation, it is convenient to use GPS coordinates, which will lead you directly to the start of the natural area at the foot of the historic arches.

The history of this place is inextricably linked to the grand construction of the Nottolini Aqueduct, which began in 1823. By order of Duchess Maria Luisa of Bourbon, the architect Lorenzo Nottolini designed a system to supply the city with the purest water from mountain springs. The water purification process was innovative for its time, involving filtration through layers of gravel and stone.

The 3.5 km long aqueduct became a true engineering marvel. Initially, water was collected in special cisterns in Guamo, at the foot of the first arches, and directed toward the center. The name "Parole d'oro" (Golden Words) emphasizes the exceptional value and purity of the resource that this structure bestowed upon the region's inhabitants.

In the 20th century, the architectural ensemble underwent changes: six arches had to be dismantled to make way for the modern A11 motorway. Nevertheless, most of the structure has been preserved in its original form, transforming from a functional object into a unique historical monument and a popular walking area.

The lands around the city hold memories of many eras—from the Etruscans and Ligurians to Roman rule and the prosperous Middle Ages. The aqueduct became the finishing touch in the formation of this cultural landscape, connecting the engineering genius of the 19th century with the natural wealth of Tuscany.

For a standard visit to the Parole d'oro site and a short walk at the base of the aqueduct, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This is enough time to enjoy the silence, take atmospheric photos, and study the engineering features of the first arches of the structure.

If you plan to walk the entire route along the aqueduct or cycle all the way to the city, budget about 3 hours for your visit. This pace will allow you to enjoy the views of the Tuscan hills without rushing and have a small picnic in the picturesque natural area.

One of the main advantages of this place is its complete accessibility. Parole d'oro is open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can come here early in the morning to catch the sunrise in the mountains, or during the pre-sunset hours when the sunlight beautifully illuminates the ancient stonework.

The site's schedule (Open 24 hours) remains unchanged from Monday to Sunday, making it an ideal option for a spontaneous trip at any time convenient for you.

Exploring the surroundings of Parole d'oro can greatly enrich your trip to Tuscany. The location allows you to see both masterpieces of medieval architecture and modern entertainment venues in a single day.

Below are interesting places located within a few kilometers that are worth including in your walking plan: