I have to share the beautiful photos by Paul Anthony Davies of the Festa Triennale del SS Crocifisso in San Cassiano.
The church looks stunning at night.
The street in front of the church down to Santina’s restaurant was lit up too.
The interior of the church is magnificent.
What a wonderful event! There are 25 villages that make up Bagni di Lucca. There is always something happening.
Sunday was hot at Ponte a Serraglio, but it didn’t stop lots of artists to gather to take part in the art competition in the Villa Fiori park.
I wasn’t there, but my friends Moe and Liz took some photos to share. There are also some by local photographers Valerio Ceccarelli and Domenico Bertuccelli.
Artists found a cool spot where they could.
My friend Moe had a great vantage point on my balcony.
The standard was excellent.
There was music and dancing.
These were the first 3 prizes awarded…I think 3rd and 4th and 5th.
This is the second prize.
This is the winner.
Congratulations to everyone involved for a successful day at Ponte a Serraglio.
It is almost time for the annual art competition held by Borgo degli Atisti in the park beside Villa Fiori.
It is a fun day whether you are an artist or an observer. Come to watch the artists at work or set up an easel and start painting.
The National Crossbow Tournament, Campionato nazionale di Balestra Storica, will take place on Sunday 25th June at Villa Ada in La Villa.
There will also be events at nearby Villa Web.
This is a fun day…don’t miss it. The events should get underway at about 9.00am.
This weekend in La Villa will be full of people enjoying the Festa dello Sport.
There will be something for everyone.
Laura Poggi, from the gorgeous Casa Tolomei in Via Umberto I in La Villa, is starting a small language school. She and her family have many years of experience and Laura is keen to start a new venture in Bagni di Lucca.
In a previous post I wrote about the amazing transformation Laura and her husband Andy have achieved in the house where Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning spent a couple of summers in the 19th century. They bought it 5 years ago and have brought the beautiful house back to life. See the post here.
Work continues, but a couple of rooms are now available to rent and Laura can turn her attention to Italian lessons. This beautiful room will be for small groups. Larger groups will be in another part of the house.
It is possible to have one on one lessions with Laura, or to be part of a group lesson, the classes are flexible. Laura is delightful and I know her classes will be a lot of fun, the best way to learn a new language. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced, a course can be tailored for you.
Residential courses are also available, where you can stay at Casa Tolomei, take lessons in the morning and practise your Italian while exploring the villages.
Please email Laura at poggilaura@gmail.com for more information.
Pleaee share this post with anyone you think might enjoy learning Italian in Bagni di Lucca.
The beautiful monument to fallen soldiers in Ponte a Serraglio has been cleaned and restored. It looks wonderful.
Here it is before it was cleaned.
Here it is now.
Friday 31st March is the first day of the Verde Mura, the wonderful garden event held every year on the wall of Lucca.
Here is a reminder of what to expect.
Friday 31st March…12.00 – 19.00
Saturday 1st April…9.30 – 19.00
Sunday 2nd April…9.30 – 19.00
Entry fee €6 for 1 day
€10 for 2 days
€15 for 3 days.
There is a reduced price of €3 for those over 65 and for children.
I took this photo of the wonderful Ponte della Maddelena through the windscreen of the car. (I wasn’t driving).
It is a pity there isn’t a footpath on the road near the bridge. It could be done. A small foot path could be built beside the road, over the river. It would make a great viewing platform. I tried walking along the road once…never again!
Here are a few photos I have taken of the fabulous bridge over the years.
I took the photos below years ago with my first digital camera. It must have been 2004. The conditions were perfect.
Whatever the season the bridge looks great.
The bridge was decorated for the 150th anniversary if the unification of Italy.
The bridge always looks stunning. Fortunately it never changes…everything around it does.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 