Updated May 2021
DESCRIPTION
This walk takes you through the Valley of Luchi (Valle dei Luchi). Luco coming from the Latin lucus for sacred forest, a place dedicated to the Gods. From Musellaro you follow a well worn path that has been used since Roman times and walk through woodlands to the hamlet of San Tommaso.
STARTNG POINT: Via San Rocco, Musellaro (in Borgo Sant’Antonio) – you can get a nice photo of Musellaro township from this street just before the walk begins
END POINT: SP66 (from here it’s a 5 minute walk into San Tommaso hamlet and San Tommaso Church and ruins of old abbey)
TRAVEL TIME: 1hr 10 minutes one way
LENGTH: 5km
DIFFICULTY Italian Alpine Club rating: E – Escursionistico (Hiker – Intermediate)
POINTS OF INTEREST: There are many highlights on this walk with great diversity in plant life, geological formations and man made structures with stunning views of the Majella mountain range and the Pareti di Santa Lucia (the limestone walls).
Just a short distance down the track from Musellaro, you will come across a hydroelectricity station that is no longer in use but old machinery can still be found in the area. Hydroelectricity was an integral part of Italy’s energy system contributing 87.5% of total energy produced from 1900 to 1960.
Old hydro plant 
Further along the track as you pass over a modern bridge, to the left you will see the remains of an old Roman bridge which connected Musellaro with Caramanico over the River Orta.
River Orta Old Roman bridge
Follow the track down (there is a turn off to go down to the famous Rapide Santa Lucia formation however this is currently closed for safety reasons after two walkers died here in 2017). About half way along the walk, you will come across the Luchi Plain with limestone towers and ancient rock dwellings. Cave paintings have been found in the area and remains of the Castello dei Luchi. This is a great area to explore. Within the rock formations an old wooden door leads into an old shepherd’s hut built with dry rock wall with hay on the floor.
Walls of Santa Lucia Limestone tower Small canyon Old Shepherd’s hut Inside the hut
Plant life – look out for centuries old oak trees, poplars and willows and wildflowers in abundance during spring
Upon reaching San Tommaso, it is highly recommended to visit San Tommaso – a 13th century church dedicated to St Thomas Beckett. The old town of San Tommaso is also worth walking through – although mostly uninhabited now, the stone houses evoke a sense of melancholy of a once vibrant township now quiet and deserted. There is also a lavatoio (area where women would wash their clothes).
San Tomasso Inside San Tommaso
You can also explore Musellaro’s historic centre.
WATER FOUNTAIN: At San Tommaso
RECOMMENDED TIME OF YEAR: All year round. Not recommended after heavy rains or in the hot midday summer sun.
In Spring the area is awash with a multitude of wildflowers
For a longer walk you can add the Musellaro to Bolognano walk and explore Bolognano’s historic centre (an extra 40 minutes)
MORE INFO: A2 – da Musellaro a San Tommaso (parcomajella.it)