An eagle’s view of Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on December 26, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

If I was a bird this is what I would see of Colle and Ponte a Serraglio.

I took these photos in late autumn from Granaiola. I look forward to being back in beautiful Bagni di Lucca early in 2017.

Postcard pretty

Posted on December 23, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

A couple of posts back I showed you some photos of Montefegatesi. A friend sent me a photo of a postcard of the village covered in snow. I don’t know when it was taken but Montefegatesi looks great with a white blanket.

I don’t think it will be a white Christmas in Montefegatesi this year. Merry Christmas anyway and have a wonderful 2017.

Montefegatesi in the autumn sun

Posted on December 18, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

If you take the road to Montefegatesi that goes past Monti di Villa and keep your eyes peeled you will spot a perfect place to stop to get excellent views of this gorgeous village. I went with friends in November and was rewarded with this lovely sight.

Every time I visit Montefegatesi I am reminded of the tenacity of the early settlers to these mountain villages. They must have been made of stern stuff.

Autumn in Pieve di Monti di Villa

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Local photographer Paul Anthony Davies has taken some lovely photos of autumn in Pieve di Monti di Villa. He has kindly allowed me to share them with you.

Pieve di Monti di Villa has a restaurant, Rifugio Fiori, which is open part time.

It also has a bar, a great addition to the village.

Autumn is a gorgeous season in the mountain villages.

Don’t miss the living navity in Pieve di Monti di Villa on 4th December. It is a wonderful event.

Chestnuts in Lucchio

Posted on November 4, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Lucchio is the village that clings to an almost vertical mountain side. At the top is La Rocca, the ruins of an old fort.

La Rocca was our first destination before seeking out the roasting chestnuts.

It is a steep climb to the top along a rocky path.

We passed an enthusiastic gardener digging his rich looking soil.

Onwards and upwards…

There are some steep steps to the very top.

There isn’t much of the fort left, just a few crumbling walls.

The views are stunning even on a misty, wet day.

A family found a great spot for a picnic.

We had lunch in the local restaurant, which had drawn a large crowd. Our 3 course lunch was delicious. I forgot to photograph the pasta course and the roast meat, but here is the antipasti.

The chestnuts were being roasted down by the church, so this time we headed down towards the bottom of the village. Not many people live in Lucchio these days, but the village is well loved by those who do live there. The streets are well maintained and clean. There are a few houses for sale, just in case you are looking for a quiet life with great views.