The games begin

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The opening ceremony for the Bagni di Lucca Games was a great success. 400 people gathered for the parade of the 4 groups taking part in the events to come. 600 stayed for dinner. The fun continued into the night with music and dancing.

I am not in Bagni di Lucca right now so I have taken some photos from the Comune page to share.

 

Mmm


Here are some more from my lovely friends Frederick and David who have jumped right in to the festivities.


Here is a list of the events.

 

I think this is the best thing to happen in Bagni di Lucca in a long time. It has brought the residents together in friendly competition. Congratulations the the organisers of the events.

Bagni di Lucca Games 2

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The first edition of the Bagni di Lucca Games in 2025 was a huge success. Now it is time for round two.

This year the games begin on 22 August with an opening parade at 6.30 pm followed by a community dinner in Piazza Jean Verraud.

Four districts…Vipera (snake),  Alce, (moose), Trota (trout) Granchio (crab) will compete in a range of events, including padel, sand volleyball, traditional card games and a relay race.

Here is the schedule.

Here are some photos from last year.

 

 


What a great idea for Bagni di Lucca. I’m sure it will be fun for everyone involved.

Bagni di Lucca in 1839

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Richard Hudson wrote to me recently to share drawings and paintings his great-great-great aunt Maria Hudson (1819 – 1906) created while she was staying in Bagni di Lucca in July 1839. She was travelling in France and Italy with her parents.

Richard has taken photos of the art in the sketch book of his aunt and has kindly allowed me to share them. He would love to know more about the locations.

The first sketch shows Bagni Caldi at the top with another spa below.

The others show Ponte a Serraglio and La Villa. The church is clear in the sketch and I can see my building beside the bridge and, I think, the casino, which would have been just a few years old.

In the first painting on the bottom left is a hotel called Gran Hotel du Pelican. Does anyone know something about that?

I think these impressions of Bagni di Lucca are wonderful. I am delighted that Richard shared them. Please send any ideas you have about them.

Preloved treasures

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Auser has an excellent warehouse full of furniture and household items waiting to find new homes.

The items in the shop are all donated. Auser is run by volunteers and the proceeds help people in need.
The warehouse is at Via di Pizzorni 4, Chifenti.  It is a bit difficult to see from the road. Stand in front of Bar Tintori on the corner of the car park near the Chain bridge, look  across the Via Brennero, and you will see a small lane. The warehouse is down that lane.

The opening hours are….

Wednesday 10 – 12.30

Thursday 4.30 – 19.00

Friday 10.00 – 12.30

And the first Saturday of every month 10.00 – 12.30

 

 

Shop local…Nonsolovino, for wine and more

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Bagni di Lucca is lucky to have an excellent wine shop…Enoteca Nonsolovino, Bagni di Lucca, Villa.

I met the owner, Guido, many years ago, soon after we came to Bagni di Lucca. He is still here, still sharing his vast knowledge of wine. He loves a chat, drop in and let him help you chose from his excellent selection of wine, spirits and local produce.

His shop is well stocked,


Enoteca Nonsolovino…Viale Umberto I, Bagni di Lucca, Villa.

Phone…+39 0583 867707

A questionnaire

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The Comune of Bagni di Lucca is asking residents and part time residents to fill out a questionnaire designed to gather ideas and opinions of those who live in the area, with a view to making improvements for the future of the town.

Once the results have been gathered the data will be evaluated and analysed. Between September and October there will be meetings and debates open to the citizens. A final presentation of the results will occur and developments discussed.

If you have not done so already please consider taking the time to contribute to the development of Bagni di Lucca. The answers must be done by 20th June, so just over a week left to take part.

Here is a link to the questionnaire. It is in Italian and English.

It will be interesting to hear the results.

A good day for Villa Ada

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Villa Ada was opened to the public yesterday. Walking up the renewed road to the Villa revealed the beginnings of the renovation of the garden. The trees are thriving.


The old wisteria tunnel is coming back to life.

Villa Ada is looking good.

A good crowd gathered.

The ribbon was put in place.

The gathered crowd moved inside to listen to the speakers.

 

The officials assembled to cut the ribbon.

The ribbon was cut.

I had a brief look into one of the rooms.

I look forward to seeing it when it has progressed further.

Rita Gualtieri, who has been instrumental in the project for years, says that there will be co-working spaces open to the community, including students. It will be a functional space for all. With internet connection students will have access to training tools and remote work. Adults will find areas of gathering to socio-cultural initiatives.

Congratulations to all involved in this work. The newly revived  Villa Ada is a good addition to the Bagni di Lucca community.

 

Villa Ada opens

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The restored ground floor and garden of Villa Ada will be open to the public to view on Saturday 30th May at 10.00.

Villa Ada is at the end of Via Angelina Whipple in Bagni di Lucca Villa. The ribbon will be cut at 10.30 to open the house and visits will be allowed. Refreshments will be served.

It will be excellent to see one of Bagni di Lucca’s historic houses restored.

Villa Ada is a 16th century estate originally owned by the De Nobili family. It was modernised in the 19th century by British Consul Sir Mac Bean, who added its hexagonal towers. It became community property in 1975.