Situated on a isolated hill at 162 amsl in province of Lucca from which it's distant approximately 15 km. Montecarlo lies nearly half road between Lucca and Montecatini Terme, in order to reach it from Florence, take the Firenze-Mare highway (A 11) direction Pisa and exit at Chiesina Uzzanese then follow the indications for Montecarlo that is distant only 6 km; from Lucca, take the same highway direction Firenze and exit at Altopascio, also from this exit are only the 6 km to cover in order to arrive in Montecarlo.

Montecarlo was, in 14th century, an important strategic garrison in the wars that were fought between Lucca, Pisa and Florence. The village was founded, from Carl IV of Boemia, grandson of Arrigo VII, in 14th century around the Rocca of the Cerruglio and in his honor was named Montecarlo.  

The Fortress rises on the higher point of the hill of Montecarlo and its more ancient part, was built during the first years of 14th century, of this old building makes part the Tower of the Mastio the Tower of the Apparition and that of Santa Barbara. In 15th century the fortress was enlarged by order of Paolo Guinigi Lord of Lucca, then after to have become florentine possession (1437), in 1555 it was finished for order of the Granduke Cosimo I de Medici. It's of this period the construction of the imposing bastion of Piazza d'Armi. In 1775 Pietro Leopoldo of Lorena put in disarmament the fortress.

The historical Center, very well conserved is still encircled from a splendid town-walls. Of the 14th centuri gates that were opened along the walls still remain the Porta Fiorentina towards Florence, the Porticciola towards Lucca, while the Porta Nuova to the south was reopened at the end of the 1500's. The 14th fortress (Rocca) dominates the village with walls very well conserved and a bastion of 16th century.

Other worthy constructions of Montecarlo are the theatre of the Accademia dei Rassicurati (18th century), the Collegiata di S. Andrea (14th-18th century) that still conserve the facade and the 14th century doorway. Imposing building is the Istituto Pellegrini Carmignani that was the old Monastero of the Clarisse nuns. The former Monastero of Sant' Anna (1610-1613), that encloses some remains of Palazzo Pretorio (14th century).

To the feet of the hill of Montecarlo, on the road that goes to Pescia, is the Pieve di San Piero in Campo, Romanesque Church to three aisle that date back to the 12th century.  

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The entrance of the Fortress, Montecarlo, Lucca

A street of Montecarlo, on the background the Porta Fiorentina