The wonderful Pinocchio festival returns on 1st October.
On the same weekend there is an art exhibition presented by Borgo degli Artisti.
A fun weekend is coming up!
The Pinocchio festival returns
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Canyon Park
Canyon Park is a great addition to Bagni di Lucca. In a gorgeous part of the Lima River it is possible to take part in some exciting water sports. Click here for a link to their site.
To enter Canyon Park cross the Ponte Nero at Cocciglia. Come for a walk…
Once across the bridge it is easy to see the headquarters.
We took the track to the little beach by the river.
The river looks gorgeous along the way.
The stony beach would be a great place to cool off on a hot day.
On the way back we came again to the delightful headquarters of Canyon Park.
Then it was back across the bridge.
Don’t miss Canyon Park if you come to Bagni di Lucca.
Blue sky over Cocciglia
Cocciglia looks stunning from the SS Brennero, especially under a gorgeous blue sky.
Cocciglia is just one of the wonderful villages that make up Bagni di Lucca. Each one of the ancient villages has something special. Click here to see a list of the villages. There is a link to a post on each of the villages I have visited.
Passerella
The passerella, walking bridge, was built in Ponte a Serraglio in 2009. It was controversial at the time. Many residents thought it was a waste of money and there were more important things to spend money on.
That may be so, but I love the passerella. We park our car in the car park beside Villa Fiori and take what we call the scenic route across the walking bridge and along the river to our apartment. It is much more pleasant than walking along the narrow street on the other side.
As well as offering a pretty walk across the river it is a great spot to take photos of the river and Ponte a Serraglio.
Trattoria da Santina revisited
Santina’s restaurant in San Cassiano is a Bagni di Lucca institution. I have mostly visited in winter and been seated in the cosy room inside. My last visit was on a sunny Sunday and we sat on the terrace.
It was a bit hazy, but the view over the mountains to some of the other villages was lovely.
As usual the food was delicious. We started with bresaola.
Then the famous ravioli.
There was finely sliced roast pork and roast beef with delicious potatoes.
Who can say no to tiramisu?
…or apple cake.
Now that summer is here, go to Santina and sit on the terrace. Trattoria da Santina is in the Main Street of San Cassiano not far from the church.
Ponte Nero
There is a tiny church beside the SS Brennero at Cocciglia. It is easy to miss as it is below the road, but well worth a visit.
Oratorio di San Rocco was built in 1532.
Ponte Nero crosses the river beside the bridge.
Take the path on the right at the end of the little bridge to Strette di Cocciglia, the narrow rocky part of the river below. Look out for Dragon Regulus who is said to live under the rocks.
I will take you there another day.
Ponte Nero now leads to Canyon Park headquarters, which means lots more people will enjoy this gorgeous place.
Art in Vico Pancellorum
Vico Pancellorum has hosted an art event every year.
The beautiful church at the top of the village makes the perfect venue. The walk up from the bottom is worth the effort for the view alone.
Some of the old doorways and windows along the path would make good art subjects.
There was a large crowd in the church.
It is good to see these lovely old churches open.
There was an excellent choice of art on display.
Thank you Moe for taking the photos so we could share the event.
Fireworks
At the end of the weekend celebrations in San Cassiano there were fireworks. Take a look at this gorgeous photo taken by David Bonaventuri.
Stunning!
San Cassiano lights up
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.
Il Ghiottone
IIl Ghiottone is an unassuming bar and restaurant on the SS Brennero near Cocciglia.
They do a great lunch for just €10.
I had a prosciutto and mozzarella and delicious beans in an excellent tomato sauce.
My friend had a pork chop and a fresh salad.
Bread, water and wine are included.
Look out for the sign beside the road.
…and coming back the other way. I love this building.
Il Ghiottone means The Glutton. I think it is wonderful that there are so many places in Bagni di Lucca where delicious meals are offered at a great price.
