What to do with the casino?

Posted on November 29, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Bagni di Lucca has the first purpose built casino in Europe. It was built in 1837 and operated as a casino until 1945.

It was restored about 14 years ago and is stunning inside. The work was being done when I first arrived in Ponte a Serraglio and I enjoyed watching the workmen bring the beautiful interior back to life.

It was open for some time as the information centre for Bagni di Lucca. The wonderful Leda worked there and took visitors on guided tours throughout the building, telling tales of times gone by when Puccini and Liszt played for guests.

Now it is open only for events, which seems a pity. Many visitors coming to Bagni di Lucca would like to see inside and ask constantly why it is not open to the public.

There is a thought by many residents that it would be a good idea to reopen it as a visitor and information centre. That way it would be open to the public and be a place of interest. I have been asked by some to see if this would be popular.

What do you think?

If you agree that it would be a good idea to have the casino building open and put to use why not let the Comune know? Drop in and have a chat if you live in the area or send them an email. The website is http://comunebagnidilucca.com

Autumn in the chestnut forest

Posted on November 27, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Just before I left Italy in early November I drove up to Montefegatesi hoping to see some autumn colour in the forest just outside the village. I was a bit early, but I could see the changes.

It is always good to stop at the little church beside the road on the way down the mountain.

By now the leaves will probably be gone and the scene will be wintery. That is wonderful too.

Necci in Montefegatesi

Posted on November 15, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

It has been a good year for chestnuts this year. Try some delicious chestnut pancakes in Montefegatesi on Sunday.

If you can’t make it on Sunday perhaps you could make your own necci.

You will need…

2 cups chestnut flour.

slightly less than 2 cups water

a pinch of salt

1 cup of ricotta (sweetened with a little sugar or honey if you wish)

Place the flour in a bowl with the salt. Slowly pour the water into the flour and stir with a whisk until the batter is smooth and there are no lumps.

Heat a little olive oil in a frypan and pour in a large spoonful of batter. Swirl the pan to spread the batter evenly. Cook until the bottom is golden then flip and cook the other side.

Stack the necci on a plate until all the batter is used.

Whip the ricotta and spread on the necci and roll up.

Eat.

Here is one I enjoyed at the chestnut festival in Lucchio last year.

It took me a while to acquire a taste for necci, but I now find them delicious.

A change in the weather

Posted on October 30, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

We have had a dramatic change in the weather. The lovely sunny days gave way to torrential rain, howling wind, thunder and lightning in the last couple of days.

The river has turned brown and is moving quickly.

The first showers made for some lovely autumn scenes.

I hope the weather is fine for these 2 events coming up in Bagni di Lucca.

The sun is out now. Let’s hope it lasts for a while.

Coming up

Posted on October 24, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

As usual, there are great things to do in Bagni di Lucca.

In Ponte a Serraglio…Halloween dinner on 31st October at Risorante Cavalier Bruno.

Gombereto…October fun on 28th October.

Montefegatesi…Halloween fun on 31st October.

Topo Gigio

Posted on October 12, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

On the road from Bagni di Lucca to Abetone at Fabbriche di Casabascana you will find Trattoria Bar Topo Gigio.

I had heard it was a fun place to stop for coffee or lunch so with some friends I decided to try it.

The tables were all full, but fortunately somebody left as we arrived and we found a spot. It is always a good sign when a place is packed at lunch time.

The service is brisk and friendly and soon our lunch arrived.

We ordered ravioli with the Gigio sauce, which is deliciously spicy.

The gnocchi came with the same sauce, but there were several other we could have tried.

We all ordered the Milanese with a side order of salad and chips…all good.

Topo Gigio is a fun place to stop…I will return.

Topo Gigio

Str. del’Abetone e del Brennero 25 – 27

Fabbriche di Gallicano

347 08035582

Street market

Posted on October 3, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Soffitte in Strada, second hand market, takes place in La Villa, Bagni di Lucca several times a year. The most recent one was held on Sunday.

Here is a small selection of what was for sale.

There are always some tasty treats available as well.

The next market will be held on 30th December,

Chestnut time

Posted on September 29, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Chestnuts are ripening on trees all over Bagni di Lucca. I went up to the lovely chestnut forest just outside Montefegatesi hoping to see some autumn colour. The trees are still green, but the beginnings of change can be seen. Best of all some of the trees are laden with chestnuts.

Autumn is the time for chestnut festivals. I have attended several of these over the years and I find them great fun.

Here are a few coming up soon in Garfagnana.

Cascio has a wonderful chestnut festival. I have been twice. This year it will be held on Sunday 7th October. This one attracts a big audience. Be early if you want to find a place in the car park. Festivities usually begin at about 11.00am.

Castiglione di Garfagnana is a gorgeous hilltop town. The chestnut festival is set for 14th October.

Trassilico will also hold its festival on 14th October. I have been to this one too and enjoyed it immensely.

Lucchio will have its chestnut festival on 21st October. I went last year and had delicious necci.

Castelnuovo’s will be held over 2 days, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October.

Lupinaia has a wonderful chestnut festival. I attended several years ago. This year it will be held on Sunday 11th November.

I will be back in a few weeks to see the Montefegatesi trees in their autumn colours.

Pinocchio returns

Posted on September 17, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The annual festival to celebrate Pinocchio will return this weekend.

This festival is a lot of fun, something for everyone.

Dressing up

Posted on August 31, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Last weekend in Bagni di Lucca was the wonderful event, Shelley a Bagni di Lucca…la poesia e il ballo.

The event was attended by people in costumes of the period when the poet Shelley visited Bagni di Lucca. A crowd gathered at Villa Web and walked to various sites in the area. The photos below were taken by Rita Gualtieri.

There was a dance at the casino in Ponte a Serraglio in the evening.

Look at the Facebook pages of Marco Pistolozzi, Valerio Ceccarelli and Rita Gualtieri for some wonderful photos of the well dressed characters.

I think the enthusiasm the partipants bring to these events is great. I wish I had been there.

Bella Bagni di Lucca

A beautiful village in Tuscany

Tag Archives: Bagni di Lucca