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.
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.
