I Caduti

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Most of the villages in Bagni di Lucca have monuments to fallen soldiers from WWI and WWII.

Ponte a Serraglio is no exception.

I think the statue is very stylish. It looks a bit Art Deco to me. What do you think?

Then and now…the church at Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on February 2, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

The church at Ponte a Serraglio was built in 1544. It has been remodelled a few times.

Here it is in 1910.

…and 1922.

…and after the last restoration.

Here it is now.

The interior is quite pretty.

The church is very well kept by a group of volunteers and is often adorned with flowers…poke your head in if you are nearby. It is a short walk from the bridge on the opposite side of the river from the piazza.

Carnevale Fornoli

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Don’t miss Carnevale in Fornoli on 14th February.

Then and now…Bagno alla Villa

Posted on January 1, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

There is a small piazza above La Villa, the commercial centre of Bagni di Lucca. Bagno alla Villa has one of the many spas that used to be a popular place to “take the waters”.

The spa is still there but is not operating.

The building has been restored and there is even a pool in the nearby property, Villa Ada.

Work has been done to restore several of the baths in Bagni di Lucca. Soon they will fall into disrepair again. It is a puzzle to me why the administration is not doing more to encourage someone to operate the spas and help bring people and employment to the area.

…any takers?

Bagni di Lucca in 2015

Posted on December 27, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

It has been an eventful year in Bagni di Lucca. It is interesting to look back.

Click the highlighted words to see the original post.

There was a tornado early in the year which caused lots of damage. Our lovely park in La Villa was devastated, with wonderful old trees wrecked by the wind.

Many houses suffered with damaged roofs and other property damage. I hope we don’t see a weather event like that again.

Late winter is the time to plant pansies on the bridge at Ponte a Serraglio.

You can see some green appearing around Lucchio in early spring.

Gorgeous yellow forsythia appears to brighten up the cool days.

Then wisteria shows its lovely lilac face.

The beautiful house where the Barrett Brownings stayed in La Villa was lovingly restored.

Circolo dei Forestieri reopened and began serving delicious food…lucky us.

Soon on it was time to replace the pansies with geraniums. This year I had help in the form of Paul and Sheila.

In May there was much excitement, and some new roads, when the Giro d’Italia came through Bagni di Lucca.

Not long after the magnificent Mille Miglia graced our streets.

May was also the perfect time for a lunch at Rifugio Fiori in Pieve di Monte di Villa, followed by a walk down to Ponte a Serraglio along the forest walk.

…and a stroll through Monti di Villa.

There was an art gallery showing.

…and a religious procession.

The annual crossbow competition took place in June.

Followed by Art in the Park at Villa Fiori.

A a swim in the cool waters of the Lima River is the thing to do on a hot summer day.

For those wanting a bit of adventure the exciting Canyon Park opened.

Ponte a Serraglio looks pretty in the summer sun.

Trattoria Borghesi reopened its doors to the delight of the locals and visitors alike.

Giuliana opened her new shop in Fornoli.

Pinocchio visited La Villa with some fun for children.

I discovered the monument to the soldiers shot by Nazis in WWII in the cemetery at Ponte a Serraglio.

Autumn began to appear with mists swirling through the mountains.

Paul Davies shared his beautiful photos of San Cassiano in autumn with us.

…and 3 local photographers, including David Bonaventuri shared the Presepe Vivente in Monti di Villa.

The year has flown by…there is always something wonderful to see and do in Bagni di Lucca. I look forward to much more in 2016.

Don’t miss this

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

On Sunday there will be a great market in Fornoli, at Piazza Aldi Moro, starting at 11.00am.

Don’t miss it!

Presepe Vivente

Posted on December 9, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

The Presepe Vivente, or Living Nativity was held this year in Monti di Villa. The whole village is involved and the residents all take their parts. Everyone dresses up and takes on a role from times past.

3 local photographers were on hand to record the wonderful event…a working peace of art and heritage.

David Bonaventuri is from Montefegstesi. Here are his terrific photos. I particularly love his portraits of the fabulous faces.

Paul Anthony Davies lives in San Cassiano and is clearly passionate about his subject.

Valerio Ceccarelli captured the spirit and the culmination of the event, complete with donkey, 3 wise men, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

Thank you to all 3 photographers for allowing us to share the event.

For more photos of the Presepe Vivente see Bagni di Lucca and Beyond.

A very useful book

Posted on November 26, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

David Collins has lived and worked in Tuscany for over 20 years. He has accumulated vast experience in design and project management. Combining this professional experience with his love of Tuscany and passion for old properties, David has successfully helped over 400 non-Italians to buy and restore throughout this region.

Now David has put some of his knowledge into a book.