Church of Saint Stephen

Founded in the early 13th century, the Church of Saint Stephen in Serravalle has the appearance it took on following several renovations, starting with the fire of 1501. The simple façade and the tall bell tower, built from an ancient tower of the medieval village, give the building an austere and solemn character.

Inside, there are valuable works, including glazed terracotta sculptures of Saint Anthony Abbot and Saint Ludovico, made by the Buglioni workshop, masters of this refined plastic technique.

Also noteworthy is the large organ built by the Pistoiese Agati family, famous for its mastery in organ-building during the 18th century.

At the entrance, to the left, there is a stucco and papier-mâché statue of Staint Ludovico of Toulouse, the patron saint of the village, carried in procession every August 19 for the patronal feast. The saint is depicted in bishop’s attire, holding a model of the village, in remembrance of the tradition that in 1306 he saved the village from a Lucchese siege by appearing on the castle ramparts surrounded by a luminous cloud and wielding a flaming sword.

Bell Tower

The bell tower, once part of the castle’s defense system, was likely an ancient watchtower. Its dual religious and military function is suggested by its strategic position, which integrates it into the lookout system as a defensive outpost on the southern side of the castle.

Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament

Next to the pieve stands the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, home to the confraternity founded in the 17th century. Inside, sacred furnishings from the 17th and 18th centuries, made by Tuscan workshops, are preserved.