Giant Bench Terrinca

The green Big Bench of Terrinca, in the Passo Croce area, in the municipality of Stazzema, overlooks one of the most beautiful views in Tuscany. On the slopes of Mount Corchia, the Terrinca side, you can observe a wonderful territory and landscape, where man and nature contrast each other in a unique scenario. On the clearest days you can glimpse several islands in the background, including Gorgona, Capraia and Corsica.

Passo Croce (1,150 metres above sea level) takes its name from a marble cross erected in the 18th century in memory of two unfortunate young men from Terrinche who lost their lives in those areas during a particularly harsh winter.
The area is characterised by numerous sites of high naturalistic and landscape value, reported in recent decades also for the presence of many rock carvings.

Upon arrival along the carriage road you are greeted by a particular sacred structure, which in the local language is called 'Marginetta'. In the territory of Terrinca there were more than seventy of them, some of very ancient construction, others more recent like that of Passo Croce. They appear as small chapels with a marble bas-relief depicting sacred images. Their function was also to provide a small shelter to the population during seasonal transhumance.

The Big Bench in Terrinca overlooks the remains of the famous Gothic Line, which for seven months, between September 1944 and April 1945, represented the military front between Axis and Allied troops.
Don't miss a stop in the ancient village of Terrinca which is only a few kilometers away, with its characteristic alleys, monuments, churches, oratories and ancient fountains, where local products and cuisine await you.

Traveling bench users can request a passport, stamp or some Big Bench gadgets by going to the Circolo Arci 'Le Tanacce' located in the nearby town of Terrinca, just a few minutes' drive from here.