I joined the first walk of the season in Bagni di Lucca in Vico Pancellorum. A small group, together with our guides, gathered and began our walk at the base of the village near the church. It is covered in scaffolding now…here is a photo I took on an earlier visit in winter.
The campanile is very impressive, as is the back of the church.
We were first taken to an old fountain, now a bit lost in the forest. Vico Pancellorum is well supplied with water, there are fountains all over the village. At one time 1400 people lived here.
We walked uphill past lovely old houses with pretty gardens.
We walked past the old Hotel Roma, home of one of three dance halls that once graced the village. It would have been wonderful to see the thriving village full of people dancing the night away.
We came to a small square with a war memorial.
From here there were excellent views of the Rocca above Lucchio on a distant mountain.
And Vico Pancellorum from half way up to the top.
This pretty little terrace caught my attention.
This is a helpful weather barometer.
The old bishop’s house sits just outside the original wall of the village.
Look up the see the old wooden structure under the eaves.
Here is the entrance to what was the original village.
The drainage system would have come in handy in the winter storms that hit the area.
This is what is left of one of the tower houses that would have been impressively tall.
Near here is the tiny Chiesina del SS Crocifisso. The tinted windows cast interesting colours inside the church.
Above the altar is the patron saint of pregnant women.
Views across to other Bagni di Lucca villages pop up between houses.
We came upon pretty Piazza San Paolo near the top of Vico Pancellorum. What a great place to sit in the cool shade of the tree, or to admire the view.
Narrow streets are everywhere, some full of flowers.
This colourful garden marked the end of our walk through the village.
All through Vico Pancellorum works of art are to be found on ancient walls and ledges. It is worth a walk through the winding streets just to see these. Here are just some of the delights I spotted along the way.
There are more great views from the top of the village.
We walked down to the bottom of the village on the shady road. We stopped occasionally to pick tiny wild strawberries. I can report that they are delicious.
This is a linen flower growing wild on the side of the road. The stems become the linen thread used to weave the beautiful cloth hand made by local women in the past.
We walked past a waterfall with an interesting fountain beside it.
On the way home we visited an old mill beside a stream below the village, now overgrown.
There are several more walks coming up. I recommend that you do at least a couple. Even if you know the area is it a fun thing to do. I had a great day. Thank you to everyone involved. I will definitely join other walks.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
That looks to have been a lovely walk. How nice to get out with a group! Thank you for the photos.
It was fun! I hope to do lots more.
Really beautiful. Thank you, may be another year before I get back. Our government seems to have dropped the ball. Can’t seem to be able to get COVID-19 under control.
This virus is causing many problems. I hope you can return soon.
Great pictures. My parents were married at the Hotel Roma. At that time, it was called El Salone.
The mill belongs to my cousin’s family. I hope to be back soon. I miss walking the narrow streets of Vico.
Thank you for telling me about your connections with Vico. It is a lovely village. I hope you can return soon.
I enjoyed this tour very much!
I am so jealous!
Stuck here in lousy Florida…
This has been a difficult time for many. I hope you can travel again soon.
I really enjoyed the walk with you Deb. I know you have visited Vico Pancellorum many times before but I am sure there were new snippets of information from the guide that interested you. Looking forward to seeing the next village you visit with the group.
The walk was great fun. I will join as many as I can.
Fabulous walk, Deb, the potted flowers add such beauty to the old stonework and the hydrangeas are so lush. I especially like the sturdy little fairy who is the Patron Saint of Pregnant Women.
It was a lovely walk. I love to see other people’s gardens, especially tiny ones overflowing in small spaces.
Great photos! Thanks!
Vico is a great village.
Woo Hoo! My Village! Sad not to be there this Summer! 😦
Very sad not to be here! I hope you can return soon.
Thanks for the virtual walk Deb.
I love Vico and have great memories there. I see a few friends houses in your photo. I look forward to being able to being there again soon.
Lunch at the restaurant?
We have a date!
i am considering/planning a long visit to Bagni di Lucca! Wondering about the altitude, however…Is it ever an issue? I have been sensitive to altitude headaches in some places in the past…
The beauty of the area is so extreme and I am excited to possibly be able to be immersed in it… But this health question is one that I hope to gain information about before I commit to going…
Thank you, in advance, for any answers anyone can provide…
Also,Debra, thank you for your wonderful photos…So delightful and soul-feeding…
The 3 villages along the river are only about 120 metres above sea level. The mountain villages range in height with Montefegatesi being the highest. If you click at ‘Villages’ at the top of the page a list of posts I have written will appear. I usually mention the height. I can’t remember them all. I hope you enjoy you stay in Bagni di Lucca.