I have now been in Italy for 8 months and because of flight cancellations and other Covid related issues it looks like I will be here for another 8 months, which gives me lots of time to explore.
The wonderful nearby region of Garfagnana is full of picturesque villages to explore. On a (rare) recent fine day I drove up to Lupinaia. The narrow turnoff to Fosciandora and Lupinaia is on the right, just before Castelnuovo when driving from Bagni di Lucca. I have been there before when I visited for the excellent chestnut festival, which won’t be happening this year.
I parked the car outside the village and walked up. The views across the Serchio valley are spectacular.
Lupinaia is ancient. It has been mentioned in manuscripts from the mid 700s. It is a tiny village…come for a walk with me.
A narrow street leads from the small piazza at the entrance of the village.
I passed a well designed wood stack, some red berries on a tree and a pretty garden.
I walked on towards the lovely green space where the people who live here can enjoy some gorgeous open space, with great views over the village.
I walked back and walked up the hill towards the church.
The church of San Pietro dates from 754AD and is mentioned in many medieval documents. There are treasures inside, but it was not open so I can’t take you in.
From the top, in front of the church the gorgeous valley can be seen below.
Along the way through Lupinaia I spotted some wonderful old doors. I am always curious about what is behind them.
There are several pretty decorations dotted through the village.
I don’t know how many people live in Lupinaia, but it is well cared for and obviously loved by those who do.
On the way down the mountain I saw another village…and more views, to be explored on another day.
Here is the post I wrote about the chestnut festival in Lupinaia. It is one of the best in the area.http://bagnidilucca.wordpress.com/2011/11/16/roasting-chestnuts-in-Lupinaia
I enjoyed looking back on the post. It was great to see Lupinaia full of people enjoying the chestnut festival on a gorgeous autumn day. I can’t believe it was 9 years ago. I miss these wonderful local festivals.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
At last a fellow Italian door lover………
I have lots of photos of doors, especially green ones. In all the villages of Bagni di Lucca there are wonderful old doors.
Lupinaia and its setting are gorgeous, as are your photos. Thanks for taking us there, Debra!
It is a lovely little village. I hope the chestnuts festival returns.
i was born in the mountains just above the town Of Granaiola,in the town of Pieve Dei Monti di Villa.
We, my family and I have been there a couple of times. I still have relatives there. I am really writing this to see if you will respond. So please
I know Pieve di Monti di Villa. It is a lovely village. I have written a couple of posts about it.
I look forward to your posts.
We had planned to visit as a family last year and this …… put a damper on our plans, so again we are at mercy of this COVID. My sister is in Lucca now and till February we will see.
It does look like another gorgeous little village. Thanks for the walk around Deb.
I enjoy walking in these lovely villages. Each one is different.
Fabulous!
It is indeed a lovely village.
Molto piacevole!
Lupinaia is a pretty place to visit.
It is a wonderful region with lovely little towns to visit. Not to be missed.
I have been here 17 years and still have many places to see.
Beautiful photos. I too am curious about doors, & what’s behind. Will take a look. Thank you for All you do. Xx
Lupinaia is a lovely village, a nice place to visit.