I am happy to report that the lovely lady in the fountain in the park in La Villa has been restored and replaced after being damaged a few months ago.
It is good to see her back.
Today it rained in Bagni di Lucca, which was disappointing for the Pinocchio festival. Despite the rain Pinocchio arrived on time in his red car.
A band followed.
School children and their families and entertainers came next.
The damp group arrived at the piazza in front of Circolo Forestieri.
The new mayor opened the festivities.
The children looked wonderful and each had a part to play.
I’m not sure who the bearded one was.
I think this is Geppetto at work on his wooden boy.
There was a band…
and dancing.
There were lots of stalls and things to see and do, but the weather kept people away while I was there. I hope the clouds cleared later.
This is a great event. Congratulations to everyone involved in putting it together again this year.
PS. The weather did improve later and Valerio Ceccarelli took these great photos. (See more on his Facebook page)
Canyon Park is a great addition to Bagni di Lucca. In a gorgeous part of the Lima River it is possible to take part in some exciting water sports. Click here for a link to their site.
To enter Canyon Park cross the Ponte Nero at Cocciglia. Come for a walk…
Once across the bridge it is easy to see the headquarters.
We took the track to the little beach by the river.
The river looks gorgeous along the way.
The stony beach would be a great place to cool off on a hot day.
On the way back we came again to the delightful headquarters of Canyon Park.
Then it was back across the bridge.
Don’t miss Canyon Park if you come to Bagni di Lucca.
The passerella, walking bridge, was built in Ponte a Serraglio in 2009. It was controversial at the time. Many residents thought it was a waste of money and there were more important things to spend money on.
That may be so, but I love the passerella. We park our car in the car park beside Villa Fiori and take what we call the scenic route across the walking bridge and along the river to our apartment. It is much more pleasant than walking along the narrow street on the other side.
As well as offering a pretty walk across the river it is a great spot to take photos of the river and Ponte a Serraglio.
There is a tiny church beside the SS Brennero at Cocciglia. It is easy to miss as it is below the road, but well worth a visit.
Oratorio di San Rocco was built in 1532.
Ponte Nero crosses the river beside the bridge.
Take the path on the right at the end of the little bridge to Strette di Cocciglia, the narrow rocky part of the river below. Look out for Dragon Regulus who is said to live under the rocks.
I will take you there another day.
Ponte Nero now leads to Canyon Park headquarters, which means lots more people will enjoy this gorgeous place.
Vico Pancellorum has hosted an art event every year.
The beautiful church at the top of the village makes the perfect venue. The walk up from the bottom is worth the effort for the view alone.
Some of the old doorways and windows along the path would make good art subjects.
There was a large crowd in the church.
It is good to see these lovely old churches open.
There was an excellent choice of art on display.
Thank you Moe for taking the photos so we could share the event.