Quercia delle Streghe
A 600-year-old oak with unique horizontal branches, famed as Pinocchio's hanging tree and the 'Witches' Oak'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful solitude
Quercia delle Streghe
Best Time
Peaceful solitude
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 600-year-old oak with unique horizontal branches, famed as Pinocchio's hanging tree and the 'Witches' Oak'.
"Unbelievably beautiful ancient oak tree of at least 600 years, so moving to visit."
🤫 Go early for peace
Visit at 7:30 AM on a weekday for a serene experience with the ancient oak.
🌳 Respect the tree
No tickets needed, but treat this 600-year-old wonder with care.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Quercia delle Streghe
Capannori, Lucca
A 600-year-old oak with uniquely horizontal branches, steeped in folklore and literary history.
Pinocchio's Hanging Tree
Base of the oak
This iconic tree is famously known as the site where Pinocchio was hanged in the beloved Italian novel.
The 'Witches' Oak'
The tree's unique structure
Its anomalous, horizontal branch growth gives rise to its mystical name and local legends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Respecting the Ancient Oak
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Go early for peace
Visit at 7:30 AM on a weekday for a serene experience with the ancient oak.
🌳 Respect the tree
No tickets needed, but treat this 600-year-old wonder with care.
🚗 Easy drive from Lucca
About a 20-minute drive from Lucca, making it a perfect short excursion.
📸 Capture its magic
The unique branch structure makes for stunning photos, especially in good light.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Go early for peace
Visit at 7:30 AM on a weekday for a serene experience with the ancient oak.
🌳 Respect the tree
No tickets needed, but treat this 600-year-old wonder with care.
🚗 Easy drive from Lucca
About a 20-minute drive from Lucca, making it a perfect short excursion.
📸 Capture its magic
The unique branch structure makes for stunning photos, especially in good light.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the Quercia delle Streghe's ancient beauty and unique horizontal branches, often describing it as a moving and majestic experience. Its connection to the Pinocchio story adds a layer of literary charm. However, some express concern over the impact of increasing tourism on the site.
"no tickets or payment to see the tree, and opening hours night just be locals trying to get tourists away. defently worth the drive if you are nearby!"
Chris
"Unbeleavebly beautiful ancient oak tree of at least 600 years. It is known as the tree where Pinocchio was hanged in the omonimous book and also as the tree of witches for the anomalous way it's branches develop horizontally rather then vertically.
The disrispect and aboundance of "tourism" in the area is causing it quite a few problems..."
Iacopo Grandi
"I had the great fortune of visiting this majestic tree without any other visitors around at 7:30 am on a Monday morning in August. What churches, temples and mosques represent to the faithful, trees mean to me. So incredibly grateful for having the opportunity to visit this beautiful 600 year old being."
Matt Piontkowski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Quercia delle Streghe is conveniently located about a 20-minute drive from Lucca. Many visitors opt to drive, as it offers flexibility and ease of access to this natural landmark.
Information on direct public transport is limited. Driving is the most recommended method for reaching the Quercia delle Streghe, allowing you to explore the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
While specific parking details can vary, visitors generally find parking available in the vicinity. It's advisable to look for designated areas to ensure you're not obstructing local access.
The area is generally accessible, especially for those arriving by car. The path to the tree itself is usually straightforward, allowing for easy exploration.
Yes, it's feasible to visit Quercia delle Streghe as a day trip from Florence, though it will be a longer excursion. Combining it with a visit to Lucca makes for a more relaxed itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or payment required to visit the Quercia delle Streghe. It's a natural attraction accessible to everyone.
As a natural landmark, the Quercia delle Streghe doesn't have official opening hours. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and the best viewing experience.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Quercia delle Streghe. It's a freely accessible natural site for visitors to appreciate.
While there are no official hours, visiting at night is generally not recommended due to safety and visibility. Early mornings or late afternoons are better for appreciating the tree.
The main restriction is to be respectful of the ancient tree and its surroundings. Avoid climbing on it or leaving any litter.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most beautiful light for photographing the Quercia delle Streghe. The unique horizontal branches create dramatic shadows.
Its age (over 600 years) and its distinctive, unusually horizontal branches make it incredibly photogenic. It's a truly unique specimen.
Drone regulations can vary by location and time. It's best to check local drone laws and guidelines before flying one in the area to ensure compliance.
Wide-angle shots can capture the grandeur of the tree and its sprawling branches. Close-ups can highlight the texture of its ancient bark.
Yes, incorporating people into your photos can help convey the immense scale of the tree. It also adds a personal touch to your memories.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
The Quercia delle Streghe is over 600 years old and is famously known as the tree where Pinocchio was hanged in the book. Its unusual horizontal branches also lend it the name 'Witches' Oak' due to folklore.
Unlike most trees that grow branches vertically, the Quercia delle Streghe's branches grow horizontally, creating a unique and striking silhouette. This anomaly is a key feature.
There are no formal visitor centers or extensive facilities directly at the Quercia delle Streghe. It is a natural site meant for appreciation in its environment.
Most visitors spend around 30 minutes to an hour at the Quercia delle Streghe, taking photos and soaking in the atmosphere. It's often combined with other nearby attractions.
The immediate area around the tree is generally accessible for walking. While not extensive, you can explore the ground beneath its impressive canopy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that facilities are minimal, so pack snacks and drinks. Visiting early in the morning can help avoid potential crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for younger children. Encourage them to look for shapes in the branches and imagine the stories the tree could tell.
🌳 Nature Enthusiasts & Tree Lovers
Visiting this tree offers a chance to connect with a truly monumental natural entity. The experience is often described as profound and humbling, providing a moment of quiet reflection on the passage of time and the beauty of the natural world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lore and Legends of the Witch's Oak
Beyond its literary fame, the tree's name itself hints at deeper, more mystical origins. The 'Witches' Oak' moniker stems from the anomalous way its branches grow horizontally rather than vertically, creating a sprawling, almost otherworldly silhouette. This unique growth pattern has likely fueled local legends and superstitions for centuries, contributing to its enigmatic aura.
Visiting the Quercia delle Streghe offers a chance to connect with these stories. Whether you're drawn by the tale of Pinocchio or the mystique of witchcraft, the tree stands as a silent witness to centuries of imagination and tradition. It’s a place where nature’s artistry meets human storytelling, creating a truly memorable experience.
Experiencing the Ancient Majesty
Many visitors describe a profound sense of connection and gratitude when encountering the tree. The feeling of standing beneath a being that has witnessed centuries of history is often described as deeply moving.
To truly appreciate its majesty, arriving early in the morning is highly recommended. This allows for a peaceful encounter, free from crowds, where you can fully absorb the ancient energy of the tree.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit