Ancient forest

Posted on March 6, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

If you drive, or walk, past Montefegatesi on the way to Orrido di Botri you will find yourself in another world. Ancient forests of chestnut, oak and beech trees shrouded in mist seem from another time and place. It wouldn’t have surprised me if a goblin had dashed out from a hollow tree.

There are the remains of stone metati, chestnut drying huts, unused for decades.

If only the trees could talk and share their stories of the people who once lived and worked here, hard lives, but at times it must have been a beautiful place to work.

I think the trees look beautiful on a cold winter day, but I will be back in spring to see them again when the green leaves appear.

Omaggio alla Donna 2018

Posted on March 4, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The Casino in Ponte a Serraglio will come alive again this March for the Omaggio alla Donna to coincide with International Women’s Day. For the 6th year there will be a wonderful series of events over 10 days, beginning with the opening celebration on 8th March at 8.30pm.

Of special interest to English speakers will be the talks given by Australian film maker Karen Buczynski-Lee on the New Media, the New Woman & the Advanced Political Courage, and Dr Jocelynne A. Scott from the UK who will speak about the Struggle for Personhood and the Rights of Woman. They will speak at 5.30pm on 15th March.

Entry to the exhibitions is free and open every day from 4.00pm – 7.00pm.

There is something for everyone here…don’t miss it!

Snow!

Posted on March 1, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Snow fell in Bagni di Lucca today. It was wonderful to wake up to find everything covered in a blanket of white.

This afternoon it began to rain, just a light drizzle, but enough to wash the snow away. It was pretty while it lasted.

It’s freezing!

Posted on February 27, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

“The Beast from the East” is certainly making its presence felt in Bagni di Lucca. It was below zero on my balcony at Ponte a Serraglio this morning.

We don’t have deep snow like Rome. There were a few flurries the other day and fierce wind, but no snow on the ground.

After being shut in the house for a couple of days I decided to drive up to Montefegatesi, the highest of the Bagni di Lucca villages at around 840 metres above sea level, in the hope if finding some snow. Apart from a few patches of snow in shaded areas the village was clear. The temperature was -7!

Montefegatesi looks wonderful whatever the weather. Here it is with its winter coat.

There was little snow, but lots of frozen puddles.

The surrounding mountains are covered with snow.

I visited when I was here in autumn, a beautiful season in Montefegatesi.

Soon it will be spring and everything will look different again.

A shop of treasures

Posted on February 25, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

There is an amazing treasure trove in Ponte a Serraglio. The well stocked shop has something for everyone. The pre loved items are very well priced, you will definitely find a bargain.

The shop is in Ponte a Serraglio, not far from Il Monaco on the road towards La Villa.

The end of the Tiglio tunnel?

Posted on February 9, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The drive into Ponte a Serraglio from Fornoli beneath the gorgeous Tiglio trees is a delight. It is a wonderful introduction to the villages of Bagni di Lucca.

In winter the bare branches form a dramatic arch against the winter sky.

In spring the new leaves appear as if by magic and a beautiful tunnel appears to filter the sunlight.

In autumn the leaves turn gold and fall to the ground. I love driving or walking through with the golden leaves falling around me.

Now it seems they might be cut down. The trees are old and some may be diseased. I really hope this doesn’t happen. This Tiglio tunnel is one of the loveliest things in Bagni di Lucca.

I hope a better solution can be found than removing all of the trees. Surely the best trees can be retained and some new ones planted? It just wouldn’t be the same without them.

Something for children

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

There is a special Carnevale event for children on 18th February at the casino in Ponte a Serraglio.

It is great to see the wonderful building being put to good use.

Carneval Fornoli

Posted on January 31, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

I am truly sorry to be missing this event this year!

Carnevale is a fun time of the year. I hope everyone has a great time.

Demidoff Chapel

Posted on January 23, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Russian prince Nicolai Demidoff donated a hospital to Bagni di Lucca to enable the people of the town to benefit from the thermal waters. It was built in 1825.

He also commissioned the tiny chapel across the stream from the hospital. The Demidoff chapel was designed by Giacomo Marrucci and was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.

There was originally a wooden bridge across to the chapel, but it was destroyed by a flood in 1836. The current stone bridge was built soon after by the son of the prince and designed by Giuseppe Pardini.

The little chapel looks stunning in any season, but particularly when covered with snow.

Here is an early photo of the chapel, before the surrounding trees had grown.

The hospital is now Villagio Globale, a popular place for those wishing to enjoy the thermal waters. You will find Villagio Globale and the chapel in Ponte a Serraglio, on the road towards Granaiola.

La Sosta

Posted on January 14, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

La Sosta, near Pescaglia, is a bit of a drive from Bagni di Lucca, but is a great place for Sunday lunch.

The little restaurant is nestled into a pine forest beside a church.

There is an outdoor eating area for sunny days.

We visited on a cool autumn day and chose to sit in the cosy indoor area.

It isn’t a big room and it was soon packed.

The food is great! Porcini mushrooms and pumpkins are in season so it made sense to order some. The pasta below has pumpkin and spicy sausage…delicious.

Pumpkin risotto.

Scaloppine with porcini mushrooms.

Excellent fried vegetables.

The table next to us ordered a feast.

La Sosta is open through the week for dinner and Sunday lunch. It is in Pascoso,via Pescaglia or Fabbriche di Vallico.

Phone…0583 357657

Bella Bagni di Lucca

A beautiful village in Tuscany