At a cursory glance Altopascio shows only postwar buildings and so completely of scant regard, but as many other Italian towns it maintains a small core dating back to 1100 and this alone is worth a visit.

Placed along the Via Francigena, by the side of Bientina lake, it was an important center for the assistance to pilgrims and here was founded the “Spitale” (hospital) for the first time mentioned in 1084.
Soon after the “Spitale” (Domus Hospitalis Sancti Iacobi de Altopassu) became so important that, to honour its commitments, were founded the Knights of the Tau, a religious order of chivalry which from Altopascio spread in all Europe.
The order lasted until 1459, when pope Pio II dissolved it seizing all its goods.
Nevertheless the testimony of the “Spitale” is still in full view.

Maybe a day could be sufficient to visit this town, but to better visit this area of the Tuscany is worth staying here and then driving towards the nearby towns of artistic interest: Lucca reachable in 15-20 minutes, Pisa in 30-40, Florence max an hour and the sea too is at about 30 minutes (Viareggio).

To know more about Altopascio and the Knights of the Tau:
it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altopascio