This is Toby.
Anchiano is actually part of the nearby town of Borgo a Mozzano, but lovely Paola and Massimo are regulars at Il Monaco at Ponte a Serraglio, so I have made them honorary Bagni di Luccans.
Paola invited me for lunch recently with a promise that she would show me her pretty village. I know that Paola is a great cook (she also gives wonderful cooking lessons) so I was delighted to accept the invitation.
I’ll show you lunch first, then their beautiful house and the village.
Paola at work in the kitchen.
They have done a wonderful job renovating 2 old houses in Anchiano. They live in one and rent the other occasionally.
After lunch we headed off with Paola as our guide to discover Anchiano. I shouldn’t have waited so long to go to Anchiano, it is quite lovely.The village is not far off the road which goes between Lucca and Bagni di Lucca.
It is a very pretty little village with beautiful views of the surrounding area from some of the higher parts of the town.
We wandered through the town, heading slowly up to the church on the top of the hill.
First stop was the old washing area which once would have been a very busy part of the village.
The water pressure is quite something.
It is a fun place for the children to play.
The streets are narrow and winding, but mostly flat so the walking is easy.
As is the case in all of these villages, there are always interesting things to discover.
Toby met a friend along the way.
The church looks quite impressive from below.
The war memorial near the church.
The village from the church grounds.
Just below the church is a part of the Gottica Line, with fortifications left over from WWII.
The cemetery below the church is beautifully kept.
The residents come regularly to tend the graves and water the plants.
Everyone has their own water bottle.
Soon spring will come and fill the village with colour.
The wisteria vine will soon be covered with gorgeous lilac blossoms.
If you would like to arrange cooking lessons with Paola email her at …..paola.mori@alice.it.
Paola is a lot of fun and her cooking lessons are great. If you greet her in English don’t be surprised if she responds with a lovely Scottish accent. Her father was born in Barga, the most Scottish town in Italy.
Paola’s ducks said goodbye as we were leaving.
Information for locals…. There is to be a dinner dance at the Hotel Milano on 23rd March. That sounds like fun!
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
We have driven past Anchiano quite a few times and I always wanted to have a look. You have just confirmed that it is the right thing to do!! The food looks lovely… What a feast! Very enjoyable.
It is a sweet little village, and very close to Bagni di Lucca. Paola is often at Il Monaco, say hello if you see her.
Great post!!. Anchiano has a cooperation with Christian’s home town in Norway, Ålesund. Just before you get to Anchiano you can see a sign saying this and the Norwegian flag! When I was there last year I also saw streets which are called “Via Norvegese”, something like Norwegian street… :))) Hugs, Rose
I saw that street and Paola explained the connection. I didn’t know it was Christian’s town. Paola gives great cooking lessons, I’m sure your guests would love her.
Lunch? It looks like a banquet. The expression in Toby’s eyes is heart-melting. Enchanting village and wonderful photos as usual Debra. If you are only now getting to know all these villages, what hope do we have in two weeks? You should have warned us. Perhaps you did and we weren’t listening. Barga with an “ra” left off the end, is almost the same as my township of Bargara but doesn’t look anything like my seaside village in Queensland! Thank you as always.
I have known Paola for a while now. It is always a treat when I run into her at the bar in the morning.
Lovely Toby, Beautiful Italy, Amazing Photographs… You took me again a wonderful voyage dear Debra, Thank you, with my love, nia
There is too much to see here in my lifetime!
What a wonderful day! I love the atmosphere. Your shot of the campanile and the olive tree is so beautiful Debra!
It was a great day. Finding new friends is such fun.
It’s like I visited through your eyes, I love all the details and the story you created! The food looks glorious and the village just charming! The house is great, I’d love to hear more about the renovation if they are interested to feature over at Renovating Italy. And of course Toby’s friend…look forward to hearing about your exploration of the villages that make up Bagni di Lucca. ciao lisa
I will ask Paola if she would like to do this. I am looking forward to discovering the surrounding villages.
Your pictures and my yearning to return to this area keeps me coming back to your blog.
We would love to see you back here, and thank you for visiting my blog!
Your posts are not only stimulating my interest, but possibly speeding up my timetable. 🙂 …. The next time you head up the mountain to San Cassiano, I would appreciate a post about it.
I went to San Cassiano today and there will be a post on it very soon. Unfortunately the restaurant I like to go to there was not open today, so I will have to go back.
I love reading your posts and your photos. I’ve never been to Italy (but it is on my list) and your posts make me feel like I am there with you!
I am happy that you are coming along for the ride.