Category Archives: Things to see and do

Autumn festivals

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It is great to see festivals reappearing after the 2 years of Covid restrictions that prevented them from happening.

I particularly like the autumn festivals, chestnut, pumpkin and, a new one for me, a polenta festival.

I attended the Festa di Polenta in Gallicano on the weekend. A good crowd gathered in the town square, which was closed to traffic, to sample delicious polenta, bacala, necci, rosticiana and other delights.





There was entertainment and the fun of watching children have a great time.



One of my favourite local festivals is the chestnut festival in Cascio, which I believe is on next weekend. I have been twice and I suggest getting there early to get a park nearby. It attracts a large crowd.

A book to read

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I recently given a wonderful book to read by the author, Dawn Cumming, who lives in Granaiola. Dawn is an art historian specialising in Italian Renaissance Art. She divides her time between Bagni di Lucca and the UK. She has a passion for Tuscany, particularly its art and culture.
Her book is called In Search of Annalena. A Life of Tragedy and Triumph in Renaissance Florence, published in October 2020. It follows the life of Annalena, born in the time of the Medici. Her story is set in Florence where she marries, becomes a young widow and establishes a convent. Part of the building still exists.

I loved the book! I felt that I was with Annalena in Florence, walking the streets she walked, seeing the buildings she saw and getting a feeling of life in Renaissance Florence.

In Search of Annalena is exquisitely researched. Dawn’s love of Florence is clear. I look forward to my next trip to Florence so that I can visit Casa di Annalena and find the other places that were important in her life. She was a remarkable woman with a fascinating life.

The book is available through http://troubadour.co.uk, http://Amazon.co.uk

For further information about the author http://www.tuscanyathome.co.uk

Things to do in Bagni di Lucca

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There is a new enoteca opening in Fornoli. It is great to see new businesses opening in Bagni di Lucca.

I highly recommend the guided walks around Bagni di Lucca. You will definitely discover treasures.

The crossbow competition is fun to watch. It will begin around 9.30 I believe. it would be a good idea to put more information on the posters.

Bernabo baths are open

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It is great to see new business in Bagni di Lucca. The Bernabo baths in Ponte a Serraglio have been renovated and are now open to the public.

The first building was constructed in 1593 and the marble baths date from this time. The new company has done a great job renewing the interior and the beautiful old baths.

They offer an extensive range of treatments as well as thermal baths and stream grotto.

The terrace in front of the baths offers one of the best views in the area.

The baths are open Monday to Sunday from 8.30am until 7.00pm.

Via Bagni Caldi 34

Phone 0583 995383 or 331 171 9014 for information or an appointment.

http://www.bagnobernabo.it

bagnidiluccasrl@libero.it

Verdemura 2022

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The wonderful Verdemura is happening on the Lucca wall this weekend. It started yesterday and continues today until 7.30pm and tomorrow from 9.00am until 7.30pm.

We went yesterday to find the usual excellent selection of plants, garden accessories, hand made items and food.

Tickets are on sale at the entrance and online…verdemura.it

Tickets are €10 or €8 for over 65s or children from 8 – 14.

Online tickets are €8 + €1 booking fee.

I hope the rain doesn’t ruin the event. We haven’t had rain for months, making it difficult for nurseries to get their plants growing and now it rains on their opportunity to sell them.

We found everything we were looking for…and much more.