The views of Montefegatesi are gorgeous in any season. Before I left Bagni di Lucca in November autumn colour was beginning to appear.
When I return early in the new year winter will be in full swing, bringing its own beauty.
Babbo Natale will be making appearances in Bagni di Lucca soon.
Fornoli
Villa Web will be Babbo Natale central on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December.
Not to be missed is the Babbo Natale run.
This is the course of the run.
….and a party at Bar Italia.
Fun for everyone!
The beautiful tiglio trees form a tunnel to drive through as you enter Fornoli and Bagni di Lucca. Before I left for Australia the last of the leaves were falling from the trees.
When I return early next year they will have taken on their stark winter appearance…also beautiful.
Because of the forecast for rain on Sunday 1st December the Presepe Vivente in Pieve di Monte di Villa is postponed until Sunday 8th December. Let’s hope the weather improves.
There is a lot happening in Bagni di Lucca over the next few weeks.
One not to be missed is the Presepe Vivente, Living Nativity.
Presepe in Montefegatesi.
At the Teatro Accademico for the next couple of months.
I wish I was in Bagni di Lucca to take part in these excellent events.
I love to see traditions continue in Bagni di Lucca. It is great to see a shepherd bringing the goats down from their grazing. It was excellent to see a young shepherd. I hope this means the old ways will go on.
A little further along the road from Monti di Villa I spotted some healthy looking cattle grazing.
You never know what you will see as you drive between the villages.
On Saturday at 4.00pm in the library in La Villa there will be a talk on the excavations in Lucchio, one of the villages of Bagni di Lucca.
Sunday in Fornoli a day of activities beginning at 9.00am.
Things to do on a probable wet weekend.
Autumn is a great time to take a drive to Abetone, the ski village 40 kilometres from Bagni di Lucca.
As you get close to Abetone the vegetation changes and autumn is in full swing. The photos were taken from a moving car, so some are a bit blurry.
In the centre of Abetone there are 2 stone pyramids erected to celebrate the opening of the Strada Regia Modenese, Modenese Royal Road.
On the Tuscan side of the road.
On the Modena side.
The road was begun in 1766 and was completed about 10 years later. It secured an important trade route, joining the territories of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Duchy Modena. It was financed jointly by Pietro Leopoldo and Francesco III.
From this position in the village it is possible the see some of the ski runs without snow.
The skiing in Abetone is great and the village comes alive when the snow falls, but it is very pretty right now. Take a drive and enjoy the autumn colour.
I Macelli is a delightful restaurant in nearby Borgo a Mozzano. It is a bright yellow building behind the town. We visited on an autumn evening.
The decor is traditional. We were early, the first people there, but it soon filled up and by the time we left all tables were full.
The menu is typical of the area. All of our chosen dishes were well presented and delicious.
Antipasti…
A selection of salami and local choices.
Buffalo mozzarella with anchovies.
Secondi…
Bacala with polenta.
Tagliata di cinta sinese with cannellini and borlotti beans.
Grilled veal chop.
Tagliata di manzo with Gorgonzola and radicchio.
We were much too full together try one of the delicious desserts…next time.
I Macelli…Piazza I Macelli, Borgo a Mozzano.
Phone…0583 88700
It is chestnut season! Chestnuts are ripening on the trees and chestnut festivals pop up in villages in the area.
On Sunday I visited Trassilico for their annual chestnut festival. I have developed a taste for necci, chestnut pancakes. I like mine filled with ricotta, but you can aslo have them with nutella.
Trassilico is not far from Bagni di Lucca. Drive to Gallicano at the beginning of the Garfagnana and follow the signs. The road up to Trassilico is narrow and winding, so take care.
There are some stunning chestnut forest surrounding Trassilico.
The town is perched on the side of the mountain.
The festival takes place is the little piazza just inside the entrance to the town. Chestnuts were roasting and the aroma was delicious.
I wandered a little in this well kept town.
The Rifugio was doing a roaring trade.
Through the gaps between the houses I spotted views of Vergemoli and I could see our Casa Debbio just outside the village. It was a cloudy day, so the photo is not clear.
I love these local festivals. It is good the see the small villages come alive and fill with enthusiastic visitors.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 