Now is the time for porcini mushrooms in our area. It has been very dry, not good for mushrooms, but some have been gathered in Garfagnana and have appeared at Ristorante Del Sonno in La Villa.
…just perfect for a delicious mushroom risotto.
The recent rain should have more growing in the forests…we wait patiently or impatiently as the case may be.
Local news…
Don’t miss the Pinocchio festival in La Villa this weekend…it is always a lot of fun.
All over Italy grapes are ripening on the vines. My friends invited me to help pick their grapes to make wine. I happily agreed.
The setting of the vineyard is lovely and it was a gorgeous day.
The grapes are looking excellent…they taste good too.
Time to pick grapes.
Time for lunch…with some of last year’s wine.
Thank you for inviting me to be part of the day, it was fun and I look forward to sampling the wine when it is ready.
La Villa is the commercial centre of Bagni di Lucca. It is the village most people think of as Bagni di Lucca, which is actually a collection of small villages scattered along the Lima River and in the mountains either side of it.
It is possible to see most of La Villa from a hill above.
The beautiful pool with a view is visible.
…and the ancient church.
…and the beautiful park.
The table is set for a quiet evening above La Villa.
Soon the sun goes down and the lights come on.
My previous post on Guzzano was in late winter. The village looks great in all seasons, but I thought some early summer photos would be in order.
Guzzano is just 10 minutes drive from La Villa on the road up to San Cassiano and Montefegatesi. The views are stunning from the village.
A walk along the narrow lanes reveals some lovely houses and gardens.
The little church is dwarfed by the gorgeous tree in front of it.
The budding fruit on the trees and vines would have ripened by now and some of it already eaten…delicious.
Another visit in autumn is in order.
If you are looking for antiques, or interesting old things for your home, garden or wardrobe head off to Lucca on the third weekend of each month for the Antique Market.
The vendors are spread over the streets surrounding Piazza San Giusto, Piazza Antelminelli, San Giovanni and more. There are around 230 vendors in the second oldest market in Italy you can find all kinds of treasures.
Quite a few great things have found their way to my house from the Antique Market.
Limano is 538 metres above sea level and offers gorgeous views over the Lima valley and the surrounding mountains.
The centre of the town is Piazza Gave, with its 16th century fountain.
Five narrow cobblestone streets radiate from the piazza. Come for a walk…
I was in Limano in very early summer and there were flowers everywhere.
Take the time to walk through lovely Limano.
Do you think Lucchio has changed much over the years?
Casoli sits 586 metres above sea level on the edge of a steep cliff over the Lima River. It is 13 kilometres from La Villa, the centre of Bagni di Lucca. Take the Brennero towards Abetone and cross the lovely Ponte Maggio and follow the narrow, winding road to the village.
There is a car park at the entrance to Casoli, in front of the bar/cafe, which wasn’t open on the day I was there.
Not far away is a lovely little church, and beside it the mule track to the next village.
The old washing area is still there, but no longer used.
Come for a walk through Casoli.
There are a couple of gorgeous B&Bs in the village.
I absolutely love the climbing roses at the entrance of this beautiful accommodation.
The views from Casoli are spectacular.
Every one of Bagni di Lucca’s villages has something special to offer…don’t miss Casoli. I hope to find the restaurant open on my next visit. I have heard good reports.
There is a great shop at Chifenti where you can buy all kinds of great things for your garden. They also sell pizza ovens, pellets for your heater and lots of other things.
I spotted these wonderful old water pipes and thought they would look good in the garden at Casa Debbio, but someone had beaten me to them…I should call in more often.
We bought a lovely travertine garden table and bench seats at Alberigi. They also have tiled tables, outdoor paving and some great old things that he finds. I’m sure you will find something you can’t live without here.
http://www.alberigimarcostore.it
Via del Piano 6,
Chifenti
Phone…(39) 0583 895585
There can never be too many photos of the magnificent Ponte della Maddalena. Sometimes you can be very lucky and find the river below as smooth as glass, offering gorgeous reflections.
Walk to the top for beautiful views of the valley.
I love this bridge…when I see it I know I am not far from Bagni di Lucca.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 