Four times a year Bagni di Lucca has a second hand market, Soffitte in Strada in the piazza in front of Circolo dei Forestieri in Villa. You will find antique and second hand items as well as hand made products.
There are always treasures to be found.
Two delightful newcomers to Bagni di Lucca have given a wonderful gift to the community. David Gebhart and Frederick Rayner, the new owners of Villa Elena have donated a grand piano, which will now be housed in the casino, where everyone will have the chance to see and hear it.
The mayor was at the casino to accept the gift on behalf of the community.
There is a lovely story attached to the piano. David’s grandmother, Lula Ethel Aubrey, wanted David to learn to play the piano, so she paid for lessons for him from the age of 5 to 16.
She also knew he would like a piano of his own, so she paid a large deposit for a grand piano for him 40 years ago. Soon after making the down payment she passed away and David had to continue. He did so within 2 years.
David and Frederick had planned to keep their Dallas apartment and the piano was to be left there. A change of mind meant the apartment was sold, and, as they already had a piano in the new house, something had to be done with David’s piano.
They generously decided to donate it to their new community and the casino was chosen as the best place for it to be, where it could be enjoyed by everyone.
David and Frederick have also contributed to the community with the amazing restoration of Villa Elena, one of Bagni di Lucca’s grand houses. I’m sure it looks better now than it ever did. The work has taken a couple of years, providing work for many local trades people and local suppliers. They are a welcome addition to Bagni di Lucca.
Thank you David and Frederick.
The road between Ponte a Serraglio and Fornoli is open! The repair happened amazingly quickly.
The walking bridge is open again too.
Well done to all involved in the repair.
On Saturday night the new incarnation of Circolo dei Forestieri welcomed its first patrons. The evening was a great success and lots of people attended.
The restaurant is in a beautiful setting.
Of course there was delicious food and wine to try.
Attendees had a great time and I’m sure they will all become regulars.
The menu looks excellent. My favourite, pasta fritta con crudo e stracchino, is there, along with lots of new things.
Battuta di Manzo su misticanza, hummus di carote arrosto, ravioli di farina di castagne ripieni di ricotta, guancia di manzo pure di patate e carotine all origami are just a few calling me.
I look forward to seeing and tasting in person when I return to Bagni di Lucca soon. I’m sure everyone in town will be delighted to see Circolo dei Forestieri continuing to be part of the community.
Thank you to the team for sharing the photos with us.
On Saturday 14th February there will be music and magic at La Corte di Laura in Granaiola. The event will begin at 9.00pm.
Polly Haardon will be performing and Il Grande Marco will present his magic show.
It is bound to be a fun night, so call early to book a table…
0583 088818 or 329 6752634
We will all be able to follow the progress of Villa Fiori now that the developers have an official website, Facebook page and Instagram.
Here are a couple of artist impressions of the new Villa Fiori.
When this is finished it will be an amazing asset to Bagni di Lucca. I look forward to watching it grow.
Here are the links to the website, Facebook and Instagram.
Website…https://www.villa-Fiori.com/
Facebook…https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578960026838
If yoy love chocolate you will want to go to Barga this weekend! I have been to this wonderful event in past years and I loved it! If you go have a hot chocolate for me.
The Barga in Chocolate event is on this year, 6th, 7th and 8th December. It is on each day from 10.00am until 7.00pm. You will find artisan chocolate shops along the streets and squares in the historical centre.
There will be entertainment as well…
Barga’s Befana meets children to receive their letters.
Live music
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Stalls with handcrafts and Christmas products
Chocolate workshops and activities for children
For more information please phone +39 331 3526137
Email…bargaincioccolato@gmail.com
There is lots going on in Bagni di Lucca for Christmas.
The Municipality of Bagni di Lucca and Pro Loco have launched a competition…The most beautiful window in Santa’s Valley 2025.
Shop owners are invited to decorate their windows. Then take a photo and send it to cultura@comunebagnidilucca.it by December 8, 2025.
Voting will take place exclusively online by “Liking” the photos.
The criteria for evaluation should be based on…
Coherence with the Christmas theme
Originality and creativity
Attention to lighting and details
Ability to create a festive atmosphere
The winner will be determined by the number of “Likes” registered by midnight on December 25, 2025.
The first three most voted shopfronts will win..
1st place…€100 local shopping voucher
2nd place…Christmas hamper €100
3rd place…€50 voucher
The winners will be awarded on 6th January 2026, during the closing ceremony of the Santa Claus Valley Lottery.
By participating, the contestants authorise the use of the photos for promotional purposes of the event. The organisation reserves the power to exclude exclude inappropriate or non-conforming images. In case of equal merit, a final draw may be made.
I think this is a great idea. Participants will help to make Bagni di Lucca look wonderful for the festive season. I hope there will be lots of fabulous Christmas windows.
Auser, the excellent shop for pre-loved items in Ponte a Serraglio has just been stocked with great things for Christmas.
There is also a new collection of household items to choose from.
You will find the shop in Ponte a Serraglio on the road towards Bagni di Lucca Villa, on the river side.
All proceeds from Auser go to charity.
The new opening hours for Auser are…
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10.00 – 12.00 and 15.00 – 18.00
Bella Bagni di Lucca 