Paul Davies from San Cassiano has been out and about taking photos of the gorgeous wild flowers beside the roads on the way to his pretty village. With all the rain we had this spring they are putting on a great show.
Thank you Paul for letting us see your lovely neighbourhood.
Every season has something wonderful to offer in the villages of Bagni di Lucca.
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.
It has an amazing church with 2 facades.
Pieve di Controne is a collection of mostly stone houses…
…with pretty gardens and fruit trees.
I am always attracted to old doors, especially green doors, and Pieve di Controne has a fine selection.
There is usually a sleepy cat or 2 in the villages.
If you visit Bagni di Lucca take the time to visit some of the mountain villages.
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.
Someone has been busy chopping wood.
…arriving in Sala.
There is a serious bocce pitch…is that the correct word? It is at the entrance to the town.
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.
There are a couple of archways leading into the group of houses.
I found a path with a huge cherry tree, laden with almost ripe fruit.
I also found walnut trees, grapes and kiwi vines.
Going through another arch there was a happy tortoise enjoying a bath.
It reminded me a bit of Yoda.
The gardens are thriving under the obvious care of their owners. There are flowers everywhere.
There are views up to Casabasciana.
…and across to Brandeglio.
Sala is another delightful part of Bagni di Lucca. I can see why people would love to live here.
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.
…and from above.
The rain was so heavy for a while Ponte a Serraglio and Bagni Caldi almost disappeared.
Bagni di Lucca manages to look gorgeous whatever the weather…but some sun now please.
…or your shell.
This lovely little fountain is at the Bagni di Lucca railway station at Fornoli. It is no longer working, but it is a reminder of better times at the station.
There are several bridges crossing the Lima River in Bagni di Lucca, but Ponte Maggio which crosses to Casoli is probably the prettiest.
The river looks very inviting from the bridge. I went down to the water here last year and dipped my toes in. I was very tempted to dive in.
It was a bit cool on my recent visit, but I’m sure this bit of the river will be popular when the weather warms up.
The pansies on the bridge haven’t been the best this year. They are nowhere as good as those from last year. I have no idea why, perhaps the weather didn’t suit them.
In about a week I will take them out and replace them with geraniums for the summer. Let’s hope they do better.
Take a last look at the 2016 pansies.
Anyone who would like to help water them over the summer please let me know.
Then…
Now…sorry about the car. I waited a while but it wasn’t going anywhere.
The water fountain is still there.
Lugliano hasn’t changed much at all in this area. It is a lovely village with some great views.
Jean Varraud Terme has been one of the reasons visitors come to Bagni di Lucca for many years.
Here is how it looked in years past.
…and now.
A car park never adds much to the ambience, but at least Terme is operating and popular.
Next door to our place is an apartment that has been empty since the old lady who lived there died. It was shortly after I arrived in Bagni di Lucca, probably about 12 years ago.
The roof is clearly leaking and the external walls are damp.
It is a perfectly good apartment. I have seen the inside. It is large, with good sized rooms. It needs a complete makeover, including a kitchen and bathroom. The balcony overlooks the river and is a good size. It would have great views up and down the river.
The puzzle is…why haven’t the owners done something with it? It could have been rented. It could be sold. Instead it is just left there to rot, no doubt endangering the apartment below it as well. At the very least they should be made to secure the roof.
Any suggestions?
Bella Bagni di Lucca 