On a cold and frosty afternoon Ponte a Serraglio was full of Christmas fun and frivolity.
Santa was there in a couple of forms.
Who doesn’t love a Christmas alpaca?
Fun for children.
Things to eat.
Happy faces.
Merry Christmas from Ponte a Serraglio. Thank you to the traders in Ponte a Serraglio for organising the Chrismas party.
There are some fun events coming up in Bagni di Lucca in the next few weeks.
Other things in the area.
Santa has arrived in his sleigh at Bar Italia in Ponte a Serraglio.
There is a small shop opposite the wonderful pre-loved emporium in Via Vittorio Emanuele in Ponte a Serraglio. For a small donation you are welcome to have small sewing jobs done, or get some help with your own sewing projects.
The very experienced Latifa is on hand with help and advice and there are sewing machines available for use.
When clothing items are donated to the Auser group some are past being wearable. In some cases the cloth is able to be used along with buttons and zips. The wonderful volunteers collect the usable pieces and put them to use to make new items.
They are making carry bags, other small items. There are also Christmas decorations available right now. Latifa is in the shop on Tuesday and Saturday to tell you all about what is on offer.
Tuesday…9.00 – 11.00
Saturday…15.00 – 17.30
I spotted tractors on the move from Fornoli and quickly grabbed my camera and crossed the bridge to wave them on. I’m not sure of the reason behind this event, but I like to think it might be a big thank you to farmers for growing our food. Where would we be without them???
I caught their return from my window.
Thank you farmers!
Don’t miss this event on Sunday in Fornoli!
The small renovation at the casino has been completed. The lower part was looking particularly shabby but now it looks much better.
There is much more to do to the exterior, but this is a good start.
I was invited to visit a beautiful palazzo in Ghivizzano, an ancient village not far from Bagni di Lucca. Palazzo Buonvisi is set into the medieval wall on the edge of the village.
Like all old buildings in the area it has an interesting past. It eventually came into the hands of the Nuti family the 16th century. They changed it from a fortified palace into a hunting lodge. In 1648 through a marriage between the Nuti and Buonvisi families the building doubled in size.
After a time it became a boarding school for girls at the behest of Monsignor Camilli who was born in Ghivizzano. He later became Bishop of Fiesole.
The ownership of the palazzo finally returned to the descendents of the Buonvisi family who have restored the beauty of the building.
After entering the portico into Ghivizzano, to the right is a tunnel on the inside of the wall.
A little further on is the entrance to the Palazzo Buonvisi.
There is a small courtyard in front of the palazzo.
The interior of the house takes the viewer back in time. Much of the furnishing and decoration is centuries old and in remarkable condition.
The bedrooms…
The bathrooms have stunning marble basins. The showers and plumbing are modern…which is a good thing.
The kitchen is fabulous, what a great place to have breakfast.
There is a tiny chapel behind doors.
There are beautiful sitting and dining rooms.
When layers of paint were scraped off some old doors the original decoration was revealed.
On the bottom floor, down stone stairs, is a spa with a sauna, jacuzzi and showers.
Across the road in front of the palazzo is a stunning walled garden with a pool, old well and a kitchen. I love the sculptures tucked into the trees.
The views from the house are gorgeous.
Stunning Palazzo Buonvisi is now available for rent…what a fabulous place to stay and experience the past glory of Italy with modern comforts!
Palazza Buonvisi…http://www.palazzobuonvisi.com
You might have seen this box beside the bridge at Ponte a Serraglio.
Or perhaps the one in the Villa Fiori park.
If you open the lid you will find a map.
The map has directions for a walk,with points of interest along the way, from Ponte a Serraglio to La Villa.
It is the initiative of the Pegaso walking group…well done!
The much loved Pinocchio festival will return on 18th September.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 