Snow fell in Bagni di Lucca today. It was wonderful to wake up to find everything covered in a blanket of white.
This afternoon it began to rain, just a light drizzle, but enough to wash the snow away. It was pretty while it lasted.
“The Beast from the East” is certainly making its presence felt in Bagni di Lucca. It was below zero on my balcony at Ponte a Serraglio this morning.
We don’t have deep snow like Rome. There were a few flurries the other day and fierce wind, but no snow on the ground.
After being shut in the house for a couple of days I decided to drive up to Montefegatesi, the highest of the Bagni di Lucca villages at around 840 metres above sea level, in the hope if finding some snow. Apart from a few patches of snow in shaded areas the village was clear. The temperature was -7!
Montefegatesi looks wonderful whatever the weather. Here it is with its winter coat.
There was little snow, but lots of frozen puddles.
The surrounding mountains are covered with snow.
I visited when I was here in autumn, a beautiful season in Montefegatesi.
Soon it will be spring and everything will look different again.
I love to see Lucchio clinging to its mountain. Here it is in rain and mist in autumn.
When I return to Bagni di Lucca I will enjoy the stunning winter view. I am hoping for snow.
There has been some wild weather in Bagni di Lucca. There was snow for a few hours before rain came to wash it all away.
The river that was extraordinarily low this summer is now roaring past.
I wish I was around to see the snow and rain. I love to stand at my window to watch it all happen.
Thank you Paul for taking photos of my front yard.
I wish I was around to see La Villa lit up for Christmas. Fortunately Valerio Ceccarelli was on hand to take some photos of the first night of the lights.
I hope it is a wonderful festive season for everyone.
On my wanderings I spotted the garden shed beside the SS Brennero near Cocciglio.
It looks as though it has been cobbled together from scraps.
I wonder if anyone is still using it.
The park at Villa Fiori in Ponte a Serraglio has apparently turned into a home for gnomes. There are signs everywhere.
Poor unloved Villa Fiori is keeping watch.
So far I haven’t seen any gnomes, but if I do I will let you know.
Cocciglia looks stunning from the SS Brennero, especially under a gorgeous blue sky.
Cocciglia is just one of the wonderful villages that make up Bagni di Lucca. Each one of the ancient villages has something special. Click here to see a list of the villages. There is a link to a post on each of the villages I have visited.
The passerella, walking bridge, was built in Ponte a Serraglio in 2009. It was controversial at the time. Many residents thought it was a waste of money and there were more important things to spend money on.
That may be so, but I love the passerella. We park our car in the car park beside Villa Fiori and take what we call the scenic route across the walking bridge and along the river to our apartment. It is much more pleasant than walking along the narrow street on the other side.
As well as offering a pretty walk across the river it is a great spot to take photos of the river and Ponte a Serraglio.
There is a tiny church beside the SS Brennero at Cocciglia. It is easy to miss as it is below the road, but well worth a visit.
Oratorio di San Rocco was built in 1532.
Ponte Nero crosses the river beside the bridge.
Take the path on the right at the end of the little bridge to Strette di Cocciglia, the narrow rocky part of the river below. Look out for Dragon Regulus who is said to live under the rocks.
I will take you there another day.
Ponte Nero now leads to Canyon Park headquarters, which means lots more people will enjoy this gorgeous place.
