Chestnut forest

Posted on August 6, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

At the end of winter I visited the enchanted chestnut forest on the outskirts of Montefegatesi. See the post HERE. It looked stunning even then and I couldn’t wait to return in spring to see it green and lush.

The road into forest is delightful in spring with wild flowers lining the road.

There are a few reminders of the days when chestnuts were farmed seriously. It must have been a hard life, but the beautiful workplace would have helped the workers get through the day.

The trees are the stars on this drive, or even better, walk.

I’m sure the forest is a cool sanctuary in the heat of the summer.

I look forward to my autumn visit when I return later this year.

More events for Bagni di Lucca

Posted on July 31, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Summer is a busy time in Bagni di Lucca. Here are some more events coming up.

Sunday 5th is a busy day with 2 events.

The inauguration of a photographic exhibition of immigtation stories will be at the Oratorio della Madonna del Rosario in Casabasciana. This is one I would love to see. The exhibition will be there until 19th August.

I love sbandieratori! I wish I could be in Brandeglio to see the flag throwers. Let’s hope it is a fine day on Sunday.

…and another in San Cassiano di Controne.

This is a list I found with lots of upcoming events…something for everyone.

This is a list of events in Casabasciana.

Outdoor cinema seems to be popular this summer. I’m sure these events will be well attended.

The pool opens

Posted on July 28, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The beautiful pool in Bagni di Lucca was opened to much celebration. Thank you Rosi for taking photos and sharing the event with us.

It would not be an Italian celebration without food.

The pool is in the most magnificent setting with views across the mountains and has all the style of a 1950s movie. It is great that the renovations have enabled it to be open for at least some of the summer season.

Here are some more photos of the gorgeous pool taken by Elizabeth Nelson…a big fan of the pool.

Opening hours…9.00 – 19.00

Entrance fee…€8.00

After 15.30…€6.50

Phone…334 2171150

New menu at Palio l’Osteria

Posted on July 24, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

A lucky group of people was invited to Palio l’Osteria, the new restaurant in Ponte a Serraglio, to sample the new menu. Each month a brand new menu is introduced.

In August diners can look forward to…

Trout carpaccio, beef carpaccio, pasta with cinghiale ragu, risotto con polpo with red onion and much more and some delicious desserts.

The beautiful terrace is open for wonderful summer evenings.

The new restaurant is a great success. Thank you Moe for sharing photos of a fun evening.

Here is the new menu for August.

Here are another couple of events coming up in Bagni di Lucca.

The regular antique and second hand market will happen in La Villa 29th July.

On Sunday 12th August is the walk along the old mule trails with interesting stops along the way.

The opening of the pool.

Enjoy summer in Bagni di Lucca.

What’s happening in Bagni di Lucca

Posted on July 22, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

There is always something happening in Bagni di Lucca. It isn’t always easy to find out where and when they are happening.

Here are some events coming up.

There are outdoor movie nights in Cafaggio, Fornoli. The next one is on 26th July. The movie will be Wonder, with Julia Roberts.

Rifugio Fiori in Pieve di Monti di Villa is also having movie showings. Roman Holiday is showing 26th July.

There is a concert at Villa Web on 27th July.

There is a gastronomic walk in Montefegatesi on Sunday 5th August, beginning at 12.00.

Also in Montefegatesi, on Tuesday 14th August will be Apericena in the piazza in Montefegatesi at 7.00pm. Look on Facebook on the Montefegatesi Official Page for more information.

Best of all, the beautiful pool in La Villa should be open on 28th July for one month. It has been undergoing extensive renovations and will come back better than ever. It will close again at the end of August for more work.

This is an old photo. I look forward to seeing the new pool.

If you have an event coming up in Bagni di Lucca please email me at debrakolkka@gmail.com and I will put it on Bella Bagni di Lucca to help spread the word.

Yoga lessons at Bar Italia

Posted on July 11, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The newly renovated Bar Italia in Ponte a Serraglio is now home to yoga lessons held by Heather Newmarch.

Heather is a qualified personal trainer, yoga instructor (Hatha and Ashtanga), qualified in sports nutrition and is a Reiki Master. She specialises in rehabilitation after injuries. She owned and ran a gym in the U.K. before moving to Bagni di Lucca. She enjoys helping people reach their health and fitness goals.

Heather says that yoga is great for flexibility, strength, stress relief and general wellbeing. She prefers to teach small groups to enable personal attention and to allow freedom of movement.

Yoga classes are held in the large room above the bar every Tuesday and Thursday at 9.00am and each session is one hour. Yoga mats are provided. All levels are catered for and beginners are welcome.

After classes people are welcome to stay on and socialise at the bar and enjoy a coffee or tea. I would certainly add one of Annalisa’s delicious pastries or sandwiches.

Please contact Heather at heather@newmarch.co if you wish to enquire about lessons. Each lesson costs €10.

A new bar for Montefegatesi

Posted on June 27, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

It is always sad news when there are closures in the villages of Bagni di Lucca. The wonderful bar in Montefegatesi closed recently but the residents didn’t take long to fix the situation.

A bar is an important part of these small villages. It is not just a place to have coffee or an aperitivo, it is a place to meet friends, exchange news, have some fun and be part of a community. It is certainly where I met people who became friends and got to know about Bagni di Lucca life when I first came to the area 15 years ago.

The local Circolo in Montefegatesi has been renovated and now houses a brand new bar, which opened recently.

Top marks to the people of Montefegatesi for taking matters into their own hands and congratulations on the excellent new bar.

Thank you Lizzy Ashard for providing the photos of the new bar.

Bella Bagni di Lucca

A beautiful village in Tuscany

Category Archives: Things to see and do