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.
Ponte a Serraglio looks glorious in summer. I love every season, but when everything is green and lush Ponte is wonderful.
There are often fishermen on the river, I hope they catch something.
By the end of the hottest season the water level in the river drops unless there is summer rain.
This year has been very hot and dry, so it will no longer be as green as when I took these photos, but still beautiful.
Late spring seemed like the perfect time for another visit to Riolo.
There is a car park at the bottom of the village and it is a pleasant walk up to the pretty piazza in the centre of town.
There is a fountain where you can get a cool drink of water.
There is a fine collection of interesting doorways and colourful gardens.
Fruit, vegetables and flowers thrive in the hot weather.
There are always great views from the mountain villages.
I met a couple of four legged residents.
On my way out I saw the preparations for next winter…which seems a long way off.
In late spring Granaiola looked gorgeously green.
Grape vines were growing well.
Gardens were flourishing.
The renovator’s delight I photographed a while ago is still there.
The surrounding mountains and villages shone in the sun.
Ponte a Serraglio lies in the valley below.
In the distance you can see Pieve di Monti di Villa, Monte di Villa and Riolo.
Pieve di Monti di Villa.
Monti di Villa.
Riolo.
If you look really carefully through the trees you can see Bugnano, the abandoned village.
Biribisso is a great restaurant in Granaiola…must go back soon.
…gorgeous Graniaola.
I went to a lovely party in Montefegatesi just before I left for Australia. Montefegatesi is one of my favourite villages, and we walked almost to the top to the house of our friend.
The house is perched on the side of a hill overlooking the gorgeous valley below.
…a pool with a view.
The sun goes down over our mountains.
Montefegatesi is a wonderful mountain village…a great place to watch the sun set.
After a lovely evening with friends in Benabbio I was delighted to see a beautiful sunset. I walked from the top of Benabbio to the lower car park. It was quite late, 9.45pm, and I caught the last rays of sunlight disappearing below the mountains.
It is easy to see why people live in these gorgeous mountain villages. The views are incredible at any time of the day and in every season.
We are now heading back home to Brisbane for a few months to enjoy our lovely winter.
It it is always difficult to leave Bagni di Lucca, especially now when it is looking so beautiful.
The Tiglio trees have their blossoms and walking under one is a delight, the smell is heavenly. Don’t park you car under one however, they leave a sticky mess.
Our petunias are looking great.
Tina’s roses are flourishing.
My window boxes are doing well.
Big white magnolias are everywhere.
The geraniums on the bridge are growing slowly.
There are early morning fishermen in the river.
I have a couple of helpers this year to keep me up to date on happenings in Bagni di Lucca and I have lots of photos to share with you while I am away.
If any of you are passing the flowers on the bridge or the hanging pots, stick your finger in the dirt and if it is dry grab a water bottle, fill it up (there is a tap beside Bar Italia, or the tap at Cova, near the walking bridge) and water the plants…they will love you for it.
On Saturday evening La Rondine in Ponte a Serraglio introduced a new exhibition in the gallery. Photographer Richard Smukler is now showing his work.
Our illustrious mayor opened the proceedings and introduced the artist.
Lots of people attended to admire the work.
There was music.
Francis recited a poem.
Midway during the evening we enjoyed a procession along the street.
…and back again.
It was a great evening, the first of many for the summer season. There is always something happening at Ponte a Serraglio.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 