Womens’ Day Exhibition

Posted on March 5, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

This evening was the opening event for the exhibition of art and photography to celebrate Womens’ Day at the Casino in Ponte a Serraglio.

I went earlier in the day to take photos. It is always great to see the beautiful rooms of the casino.

In the main room is the collection of art.

he second room holds photos of women at work. The photos are both old and current…an excellent insight into the lives of women in Bagni di Lucca.

The evening was well attended.

The exhibition will be open each day this week from 5.00pm.

Womens’ day celebrations

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

The Casino in Ponte a Serraglio will be holding lots of events to celebrate Womens’ Day. The opening event is on Sunday 5th March at 5.00pm and the Casino will be open every day from 5.00pm until Sunday 12th March.

There will be music and art, food and conversations, make your own mandala…something for everyone. Please email Morena for more information morenaguarna@hotmail.com

A fun day in Fornoli

Posted on February 26, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

Fornoli put on a great show today for Carneval. It was a day for the children to take centre stage…with the help of their teachers and parents. 6 local school teams paraded in their costumes. The theme this year was food.

It was a glorious day. Winter sun shone down on the activities. All the participants gathered in the piazza on the Chifenti side of the Ponte della Catene. There were last minute details to attend to and friends to greet before the parade started. The band practised and the children lined up in their groups

Soon they were off for the short walk to Piazza Aldo Moro in Fornoli where the judging of the contestants took place.

It was too much for some.

The contestants were welcomed onto the stage for the judging

Eventually the winners were chosen. The children from Borgo a Mozzano came third.

San Cassiano took second place.

Fabbriche di Casabasciana won first prize to much cheering.

I think they were all winners. Clearly everyone put in a great effort to make the day a success. Congratulations to all.

A special thank you to Marco Nicoli for his hard work and commitment.

Everyone spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the food and craft stalls and other fun and games.

Then and now, Ponte delle Catene

Posted on February 22, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

Ponte delle Catene, the chain suspension bridge that connects Fornoli and Chifenti is now a pedestrian bridge. It was commissioned by Carlo Ludovico in 1840 after the original stone bridge dating from 1317 was washed away in a flood.

Here are some old photos.

Lorenzo Nottolini was the architect. He erected arches reminiscent of Roman Triumphal arches on either side of the river. The wooden roadway was destroyed by retreating Germans in WWII. It was replaced in 1950.

This is a photo of the bridge during the reconstruction. (Thank you to Alessandro for the correction)

Today the bridge is still impressive.

There are excellent views to be had from the bridge.

…just another of the treasures in Bagni di Lucca.

Seasons

Posted on February 17, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

Just before I left Bagni di Lucca in November I went with friends into the glorious mountains above Montefegatesi. It was a beautiful autumn day.

We came upon a shepherd with his well kept goats. I love to see the old traditions carried on…long may it continue.

When I return tomorrow the landscape will be quite different. I look forward to another visit to the mountains.

Carneval Fornoli

Posted on February 10, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

The wonderful Carneval Fornoli is about to return on 26th February. The market stalls open at 11.00 and the parade begins at 2.30pm.

Don’t miss this fun event.

Then and now…the school

Posted on February 5, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

The school beside the road between Ponte a Serraglio and La Villa used to be so full some students had to move to the Boy Scout (now Red Cross) building opposite.

Now it is derelict…another building that needs some love.

Bagni di Lucca has lots of unloved buildings. I think is one could be turned into apartments. There is room for a garden at the back on the edge of the river…any takers?

Santina, San Cassiano

Posted on January 26, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

Santina’s restaurant is well known in Bagni di Lucca. It is one of the first restaurants I went to when I first arrived in the area 13 years ago. It is as good today as my first visit.

I was there on a Sunday and it didn’t take long for the room to fill.

At Santina’s the food just keeps on coming. The pasta is delicious, but you need to remember not to eat too much because there are several other courses to enjoy.

In summer there is a lovely terrace with great views over the valley.

It was a misty autumn day when I was there, but some yellow flowers beside the door brightened up the day.

The misty view is delightful.

Santina…Via Chiesa 9, San Cassiano

(39) 0583 809278

A beautiful new place to stay…Casa Tolomei

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

Casa Tolomei is the beautiful house where Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning stayed when they visited Bagni di Lucca.

It was recently bought by Laura and Andy and they have worked hard to bring the building back to life. Their renovation is remarkable.

In 2016 they finished the upper floor and had B&B rooms available to rent. This year there is a self catering option which includes a suite with 2 bedrooms and bathroom plus the stunning frescoed living room and adjacent kitchen.

For summer the whole upper floor will be available. The rental options will be 2 independent self-catering apartments or the whole floor for larger groups…8 – 12 people.

The lovely garden has an above ground pool, with plans for an inground pool this year.