The stunning casino building in Ponte a Serraglio will come alive tonight for the opening celebrations of Omaggio alla Donna.
Here is a sneak peak at some of the art on show.
List of artists showing
The celebrations get underway at 8.30pm and lead into 10 days of events.
If you drive, or walk, past Montefegatesi on the way to Orrido di Botri you will find yourself in another world. Ancient forests of chestnut, oak and beech trees shrouded in mist seem from another time and place. It wouldn’t have surprised me if a goblin had dashed out from a hollow tree.
There are the remains of stone metati, chestnut drying huts, unused for decades.
If only the trees could talk and share their stories of the people who once lived and worked here, hard lives, but at times it must have been a beautiful place to work.
I think the trees look beautiful on a cold winter day, but I will be back in spring to see them again when the green leaves appear.
The Casino in Ponte a Serraglio will come alive again this March for the Omaggio alla Donna to coincide with International Women’s Day. For the 6th year there will be a wonderful series of events over 10 days, beginning with the opening celebration on 8th March at 8.30pm.
Of special interest to English speakers will be the talks given by Australian film maker Karen Buczynski-Lee on the New Media, the New Woman & the Advanced Political Courage, and Dr Jocelynne A. Scott from the UK who will speak about the Struggle for Personhood and the Rights of Woman. They will speak at 5.30pm on 15th March.
Entry to the exhibitions is free and open every day from 4.00pm – 7.00pm.
There is something for everyone here…don’t miss it!
There is a special Carnevale event for children on 18th February at the casino in Ponte a Serraglio.
It is great to see the wonderful building being put to good use.
I am truly sorry to be missing this event this year!
Carnevale is a fun time of the year. I hope everyone has a great time.
Russian prince Nicolai Demidoff donated a hospital to Bagni di Lucca to enable the people of the town to benefit from the thermal waters. It was built in 1825.
He also commissioned the tiny chapel across the stream from the hospital. The Demidoff chapel was designed by Giacomo Marrucci and was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.
There was originally a wooden bridge across to the chapel, but it was destroyed by a flood in 1836. The current stone bridge was built soon after by the son of the prince and designed by Giuseppe Pardini.
The little chapel looks stunning in any season, but particularly when covered with snow.
Here is an early photo of the chapel, before the surrounding trees had grown.
The hospital is now Villagio Globale, a popular place for those wishing to enjoy the thermal waters. You will find Villagio Globale and the chapel in Ponte a Serraglio, on the road towards Granaiola.
Bar Italia has been the heart of Ponte a Serraglio for decades. It was the first place I went to when I arrived in the village almost 15 years ago. I go there, or to Il Monaco, both belonging to hardworking Annalisa, every day when I am in my apartment. Annalisa is ably helped by her sister Suzanna and her team.
Bar Italia has closed for a little while for renovations. Luckily, Il Monaco will take over until the new bar is ready. I don’t know where I would be without my morning coffee and sfoglia.
There was a send off on the last night of the old bar and friends gathered for the party. I was not there, but others have taken photos to share. Thank you Paola, Paul and Collette.
The plans for the new bar were discussed.
Here is a sneak peek at the new chairs.
Several people chipped in to begin the demolishing of the old bar.
Last to go was the coffee machine.
I hope the lovely lady stays.
I wish Annalisa the very best and look forward to the brand new bar. I will be there for the grand opening. I’m sure there will be another party and everyone will be invited.
This looks like fun.
Some of the characters were in costume in the recent Santa parade and they look stunning. It should be a great show.
This year in Bagni di Lucca a wonderful team has created La Casa Di Babbo Natale in Villa Web, the villa famous for its part time resident, Lord Byron. My friend Paola kindly visited to take some photos so that we can all see Santa’s house.
Walk up from La Villa, past the Terme, and up to Villa Web.
Open the front door…
Santa was out, probably discussing travel arrangements with his helpers and getting the toys sorted. His chair was waiting for his return.
Santa’s green helpers were on hand to show Paola around.
Santa’s bedroom looked comfortable and inviting. He needs his rest before the big day.
The fire was alight, waiting for Santa’s return.
The kitchen is looking festive and the table is set ready for Christmas.
There is a desk where children can sit to write letters to Santa. Several years ago we visited Santa’s home in Finland where we saw the post office where their letters arrive. There are more letters from Italian children than from other countries.
Paola took a look a Santa’s list. I’m sure our names will be on it.
Well done to all those who set up Casa di Babbo Natale! Thank you Paola for sharing it with us.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and an excellent 2018.
Don’t miss the Festa della Briciole in Fornoli this Sunday and the Santa walk starting in La Villa.
