Eremo di Calomini

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

This beautiful white sanctuary set into the edge of a rocky cliff just past Gallicano, has been around since about 1,000AD. The church is carved into the rock and has been expanded over the centuries to include the presbytery and the sacristy. The double colonnaded facade was added in the 18th century.

The Calomini hermits took care of the sanctuary until 1868 and now it is in the care of the Lucca Capuchin Fathers. They have done a great job… take a look.

The wooden doors are beautifully carved.

The interior is beautiful.

You can clearly see that the church has been carved into the rock.

The view from the front of the hermitage is wonderful.

To get to the Hermitage, take the road to Gallicano, then look for the signs to Vergemoli and La Grotta del Vento. The sign for the Hermitage is about 1 kilometre past the end of Gallicano. It is not always open, so it is a good idea to phone ahead. 39 0583 767003.

There is a parking area beside the sanctuary. Look for the excellent restaurant just a short walk from the parking area where they serve delicious meals, especially local trout.

www.eremocalomini.com

Local news…

There will be a celebration on Saturday 23rd August for the conclusion of the exhibition of textiles, Nodi della Memoria, at the Casino in Ponte a Serraglio. Fesivities begin at 17.00 with the opening of the exhibition; at 21.00 there will be a shop and at 22.30 there will be music and refreshments on the terrace.

To book, please phone Tina: 0583 805815 (9.00 – 12.00) or Gemma: 349 8499704

River lights

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

There is a delightful new art installation in the river directly below my apartment in Ponte a Serraglio. If only I was there to see it.

The best way to see it is to go to the site of the clever people who did it.

www.fortyfourten.tumblr.com

Hands on art at Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

In collaboration with Home of Artisans and British artist Carol Newmarch, there was a demonstration of pottery making in Ponte Serraglio as part of the Art Festival. The street was closed and the crowds gathered for a fun and informative display.

The Art Festival is going from strength to strength and it is great to see lots of interest from locals and visitors alike.

Thank you Belinda from Home of Artisans for sharing the photos with us.

I hope you will all drop into Belinda’s gallery to see all of the lovely things created by artists from all over the world.

www.homeofartisans.com

www.artfestivalbagnidilucca.org

carolnewmarch.co.uk

The Bagni di Lucca Art Festival

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

The second Bagni di Lucca Art Festival is well underway in Ponte a Serraglio and La Villa. I would love to be there to see it, but I am in Australia for a while. Luckily for us Francis is there to report on the fun.

Go to From London to Longoio to see the latest from the festival.

Then and now…the casino

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

The first public casino in Europe was built in Ponte a Serraglio in 1837. Here is an old postcard of the casino.

The building looks much the same now, but the hotel next door is now a private house.

It is no longer an operating casino and is only open for special events. If you get the chance, go inside to see the beautifully renovated interior.

Colori e Sapori

Posted on July 9, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

The annual art competition will take place this Sunday 13th July in the grounds of the Villa Fiori at Ponte a Serraglio.

The day will begin at 8.00am. Lunch will be at 12.30 with delicious produce from the area. There will be games and painting for children and the competition will be judged at 6.00pm.

It is always a great day. Here are some photos from past years.

Don’t miss Colori e Saperi..head off to Villa Fiori to watch the artists at work and have some summer fun in Ponte a Serraglio.

Flying the flag for Australia in Bagni di Lucca

Posted on June 29, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

The Motogiro Italia (vintage motorbike race) came through Bagni di Lucca on Friday. The original Motogiro began in 1914, with 56 riders, only 18 of whom finished the race. It has changed many times over the years and there have been lots of years when the race didn’t go ahead for several reasons.

It is now distance rally, with time trials over several days and competitors are escorted by Polizia over the 1,000 miles (1,637 kilometres)

There were several Australians in the race, including a couple of regular visitors to Ponte a Serraglio, so lots of Australian flags were raised in their honour.

It was great fun to see the old bikes come through Ponte a Serraglio.

…and even more fun to see our friends arrive…and depart.

The race ended a bit later in the day at Montecatini Terme. I’m sure the riders would have been very happy to get off their bikes for the last time.

Hit the target at Villa Ada

Posted on June 19, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Sunday morning saw a colourful collection of archers in the lovely grounds of Villa Ada in La Villa. The annual crossbow competition took place under the trees. The possibility of showers kept a few people away, but the competitors carried on regardless.

Once the first round of competition was finished the cannon sounded and everyone was off to lunch.

Later in the afternoon the fun began again in the grounds of Villa Web.

It is worth taking a walk around the area even when it is not full of wonderfully dressed characters.

From Via Evangelina Whipple go through the gates leading to the swimming pool. The road is shaded by beautiful old trees.

There are some stone steps beside the road that need exploring…next time.

Art at Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on June 14, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Summer is almost with us and soon the Bagni di Lucca Art Festival will begin. Saturday evening saw an exhibition at La Rondine Gallery…just a taste of things to come.

It’s great to see people come out and join in the fun.

Take a look at Bagni di Lucca Art Festival for the programme.

The Eagle’s Nest

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Orrido di Botri is a rocky gorge with steep walls, dug by the cold waters of the Rio Pelago torrent in the Apennines. Some of the walls are as high as 200 metres and it is one of the few natural canyons in Italy. It is open to walkers in summer. You need to be accompanied by a guide and to wear protective clothing and a helmet as the walk is a bit dangerous in parts.

I haven’t been, but I have been to the restaurant at the entrance to the Orrido di Botri. We were there on a cool, slightly damp spring evening and the area is lovely. I can imagine that it would be even better on a hot summer day.

There are outdoor tables near the little rocky stream that runs beside the restaurant.

Because it was a cool evening we sat inside.

The food was delicious and very reasonably priced.

The restaurant is very close to the entrance to Orrido di Botri, which clearly needs a visit.

There are also picnic grounds nearby and if you are really lucky you might see the local goats coming down from their foraging areas in the mountains.

…or cheese being made in the little farmhouse beside the entrance.

Whenever you go I’m sure you will enjoy it. The restaurant has wood fired ovens for pizza…a good reason to return on a sunny day.

The only way into the area right now is via Montefegatesi as the road on the other side of the valley is being repaired, hopefully before summer.

Il Nido dell’Aquila, Localita Ponte a Gaio, 11
http://www.ilnidodell-aquila.com

Telephone…0583 800022

Email…info@ilnidodell-aquila.com

Bella Bagni di Lucca

A beautiful village in Tuscany

Category Archives: Things to see and do