Pieve di Controne

Pieve di Controne is one of my favourite villages in Bagni di Lucca. It is a little different from some of the others as it has quite a bit of flat land, rather than being perched on the side of a mountain.

There are some lovely cultivated areas.

Pieve di Controne

Pieve di Controne

It has an amazing church with 2 facades.

Pieve di Controne

Pieve di Controne

Pieve di Controne is a collection of mostly stone houses…

Pieve di Controne

Pieve di Controne

…with pretty gardens and fruit trees.

Pieve di Controne

Pieve di Controne

I am always attracted to old doors, especially green doors, and Pieve di Controne has a fine selection.

Pieve di Controne

Pieve di Controne

There is usually a sleepy cat or 2 in the villages.

Pieve di ControneThe views from Pieve di Controne are excellent.

Pieve di Controne image

If you visit Bagni di Lucca take the time to visit some of the mountain villages.

Paolo’s pasticceria

Catene Cafe has had a transformation. The gelato counter has been replaced by delicious pastries.

The grand opening was this evening and the lovely Paolo was in fine form.

Paolo Catene Cafe

Paolo Catene Cafe Paolo Catene Cafe Catene Cafe Paolo

The selection of pastries is excellent and we were able to sample quite a few…and they were just as delicious as they look. The girls were mobbed by people wanting to try things.

Catene Cafe

Catene Cafe

Catene Cafe

Catene Cafe

Catene Cafe

Catene Cafe

Good luck Paolo, I hope your new venture is a huge success.

Catene Cafe

Grilled

The Red Cross had their first event in Villa Fiori tonight. When we arrived the party was in full swing.

The children were having a great time.

Red Cross grigliata

Beer and wine were being served.

Red Cross grigliata

The tents were filling up.

Red Cross grigliata

The menu posted.

Red Cross grigliata

We ordered and took our seats. Beside us the Burraco tables were ready.

image

Soon they filled up too.

Red Cross grigliata

I forgot to show you our food, but it was very tasty.

We walked home as it was beginning to get dark.

Ponte a Serraglia

Red Cross grigliata

I hope you will all come along tomorrow at 6.00pm and Sunday at 3.00pm.

Sala

Between rain showers I went to see Sala, a Localita of Bagni di Lucca. To get there, follow the sign to Casabasciana from the SS Brennero. Before you get to Casabasciana there is a sign on the right pointing to Sala.

The road into Sala is lovely.

Sala BdL

Someone has been busy chopping wood.

Sala BdL

…arriving in Sala.

Sala BdL

Sala BdL

There is a serious bocce pitch…is that the correct word? It is at the entrance to the town.

Sala BdL

Only a handful of people live in Sala, but those who do, look after their little piece of heaven. The houses are all cared for and the gardens are beautiful…come for a walk through the hamlet.

Sala BdL

There are a couple of archways leading into the group of houses.

Sala BdL

Sala BdL

 

 

Sala BdL

I found a path with a huge cherry tree, laden with almost ripe fruit.

Sala BdL

Sala BdL

Sala BdL

I also found walnut trees, grapes and kiwi vines.

Going through another arch there was a happy tortoise enjoying a bath.

Sala tortoise

It reminded me a bit of Yoda.

Sala tortoise

The gardens are thriving under the obvious care of their owners. There are flowers everywhere.

Sala

Sala

Sala

There are views up to Casabasciana.

Sala view of Casabasciana

…and across to Brandeglio.

Brandeglio from SalaSala is another delightful part of Bagni di Lucca. I can see why people would love to live here.

 

Birds of Bagni di Lucca

These gorgeous birds were spotted by a friend in their vineyard recently…not these 2, the photo is courtesy of Google, but a pair just like them.

Bee eaters

Have you seen some interesting birds in Bagni di Lucca or nearby? If so, send me photos and I will put them on the blog. It would be fun to see which birds we have here.

I have heard woodpeckers, but I don’t see them. We have swallows and swifts on the river, but they are a bit difficult to capture on film.

Send any photos to debrakolkka@gmail.com.

Rain, rain go away

May has been a very wet month in Bagni di Lucca…and it is enough now. We long for some sunny days.

Having said that, I think these wet misty days are beautiful. See what you think.

Bagni Di Lucca rain

Bagni Di Lucca rain

…and from above.

Bagni Di Lucca rain

Bagni Di Lucca rain

Bagni Di Lucca rain

Bagni Di Lucca rain

Bagni Di Lucca rain

Bagni Di Lucca rain

The rain was so heavy for a while Ponte a Serraglio and Bagni Caldi almost disappeared.

Bagni Di Lucca rain

Bagni Di Lucca

Bagni di Lucca manages to look gorgeous whatever the weather…but some sun now please.