Chestnuts in Lucchio

Lucchio is the village that clings to an almost vertical mountain side. At the top is La Rocca, the ruins of an old fort.

Lucchio

Lucchio

La Rocca was our first destination before seeking out the roasting chestnuts.

Lucchio

It is a steep climb to the top along a rocky path.

Lucchio

We passed an enthusiastic gardener digging his rich looking soil.

Lucchio

Onwards and upwards…

Lucchio

Lucchio

Lucchio

Lucchio

Lucchio

Lucchio

Lucchio

There are some steep steps to the very top.

Lucchio

There isn’t much of the fort left, just a few crumbling walls.

Lucchio

Lucchio

Lucchio

The views are stunning even on a misty, wet day.

Lucchio

A family found a great spot for a picnic.

Lucchio

We had lunch in the local restaurant, which had drawn a large crowd. Our 3 course lunch was delicious. I forgot to photograph the pasta course and the roast meat, but here is the antipasti.

Lucchio

The chestnuts were being roasted down by the church, so this time we headed down towards the bottom of the village. Not many people live in Lucchio these days, but the village is well loved by those who do live there. The streets are well maintained and clean. There are a few houses for sale, just in case you are looking for a quiet life with great views.

Lucchio

Lucchio

The church was open and later there was to be a concert.

Lucchio

The chestnut roasting  was well underway by the time we got there. I have acquired a taste for necci with ricotta, and this was the best I have had.

Lucchio

Lucchio

The road down offers glimpses of Lucchio through the trees.

Lucchio

Lucchio

Bernabo Spa

The beautiful Bernabo Spa has opened for business. A cosmetic company from Milan visited and fell in love with the elegant old building. Their main interest was the therapeutic water, but when they saw the wonderful marble baths they realised that it would be a great place for them to operate a small spa.

Bernabo Spa

The treatment rooms.

Barnabo Spa

Bernabo Spa

Bernabo Spa

The baths…individual marble baths.

Bernabo Spa

…and the deep, walk in bath.

Barnabo Spa

Barnabo Spa

The source of the thermal water.

Barnabo Spa

As well as the thermal baths they offer massage, manicures, pedicure, facials and much more. Drop in and take a look and make an appointment for a special treatment.

Bernabo Spa

It’s great that the spa has opened. Bagni di Lucca once had 12 operating spas. This one was a favourite of Elisa Bacciocchi, Napoleon’s sister and Princess of Lucca in the early 1800s. Tell all your friends, share this on Facebook, have a treatment, let’s support this new venture.

Hours…Tuesday -Saturday 9.30am – 7.30pm

Bernabo Spa…Via Bagni Caldi 36. Ponte a Serraglio.

Tel. 0583 1808020

centrobernabo@exelor.it

http://www.exelor.it

Facebook…https:/www.facebook.com/centrobernabo/

Update…The Bernabo Spa is now closed.

 

Raft race

On Sunday the local raft groups raced each other from Chifenti, where the Lima River meets the Serchio River, to the gorgeous Ponte della Maddelena.

I missed the race, but Montefegatesi photographer David Bonaventura was on hand to get get some great photos.

David Bonaventura

David Bonaventura photo

David Bonaventura photo

David Bonaventura photo

David Bonaventura photo

David Bonaventura photo

David Bonaventura photo

David Bonaventura photo

David Bonaventura photo

David Bonaventura photo

David Bonaventura photo

David Bonaventura photo

David Bonaventura Photo

David Bonaventura photo

David Bonaventura photo

It looked like a fun day despite the less than perfect weather. I think the boys in the white raft won.