I recently visited the lovely village of Crasciana. Some friendly locals told me that I must visit Crasciana Alta, the upper area of the village. I didn’t have time that day, but a few days ago I returned and took a walk through this beautiful villlage.
Crasciana Alta is a short drive ( about 3 kilometres) up hill from Crasciana. Take the road to the left just before you enter Crasciana.
You will come to a fork in the road.
I would suggest parking nearby and taking the time to look through the pretty cemetery here. The entrance is through the gate beside the little chapel.
Take the road to the right of the cross to enter Crasciana Alta. There is a little square right at the entrance to the village, with a pretty sculpture and view.
The village is on the side of a mountain, the streets are steep and narrow. They branch off in all directions…take them all.
There are lots of interesting details to be found.
The last of the summer flowers put on a display for me.
As usual the church has nabbed one of the best positions in town…high above the village.
Behind the church is another small cemetery.
There is also a lovely open area offering excellent views.
There is a pretty path down from the top.
Look back towards the campanile.
I came upon a group of gentlemen having a chat in the piazza who told me I should leave Ponte a Serraglio immediately and move to Crasciana Alta. Funnily enough, most of the people I meet in the mountain villages say the same thing. They say it is more tranquil, the air is better and life is good. I love the fact that they are proud of their little parts of the world and I can understand why they are so happy there.
On the way down the mountain I stopped for one more look at Crasciana Alta.
If you visit Bagni di Lucca take the time to see the mountain villages…you won’t be sorry.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
Yahoo! You finally made it to our village…the road leading up to the church from the square is our road . We so love it and the locals are very nice and helpful. If anyone ever want to visit here look us up!! We would love to offer our place to kind souls visiting the area. Thank you Deb for the lovely pictures!
Finally! It is lovely up there, I’m not surprised you love it.
There is also an abandoned Crasciana to visit with its own church below the present Crasciana which is called “La Pomposa” to describe its high position.-
Clearly I have to go back again.
Absolutely beautiful! Great photos, Debra… As usual…
It was a beautiful day up there in Crasciana Alta.
Thanx Deb, I enjoyed the “walk” with you. The photos are great. Looks like another lovely village for me to visit next time
I have still not been to all of the villages of Bagni di Lucca, but I am getting there.
What a wonderful goal
Stunning photos!! I love your posts they always brighten my day and my spirits!!
Thank you for sharing
Thank you, I really enjoy my wanderings through the villages.
These villages are so beautiful….and so is the view. Love the photos Debra.
It is amazing up in the high villages. It is a bit cold in winter up there, but the sunny position makes it worthwhile.
So very lovely Deb. I find it thrilling to walk up old stone stairs that over time have been worn down by the tread of others. I love your directions to “take…all” the paths going in different directions. The happiness quotient in those places must be high – or perhaps more the ‘contentment’ quotient.
Everybody I meet in these villages seems very content with their lives.
I certainly agree with you, Jan. I’m still amazed at the ingenuity of Italians to build villages on the sides of mountains which still withstand the weathers of time. I enjoyed ‘exploring’ those alleyways and surprises around each corner. Reminds me of the times we explored those lovely villages in other parts of Bagni di Lucca, Debra – wonderful memories of pretty stone homes, steep cobbled steps and stunning mountain views. I can’t imagine you leaving Ponte a Serraglio though….. It’s lovely that you can explore more of the villages around your area and share those experiences with us.
The villages are quite sleepy now, but years ago they were bustling, thriving communities. I hope they can survive.
I have to ask – is the stone carved face with the water spout in the mouth a scacciaguai figure? Great photos of a lovely village!
I think it is a scacciaguai. I have seen a similar one in Barga.
Thanks! I’ve seen the Barga one, too. There are more figures on a hearth in the San Pellegreno in Alpe ethnographic museum. Will be writing a post on them soon and will include reference to this one in your post, if I may.
Of course you can use this one. I have a photo of the one in Barga if you would like it.
I have several photos of the one in Barga – great isn’t it? We wanted to try the restaurant, but unfortunately it was closed. Next time in Garfagnana! I can understand why you love this area of the world
Gorgeous Deb
We are spoiled for choice in Bagni di Lucca. There are many gorgeous villages to explore.
super pictures. definitely somewhere worth spending some time.
It would be great to take a picnic up to that high field one day. The views are amazing.
Well, we are back and we so enjoyed our time in Tuscany again this year. We stayed in the village of Limano and were told by everyone we met in the village that it is the best village to live in! 😉
We visited many of the little villages and loved them all.
Great blog. I’ve learned a lot from you
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