There is a neglected magnolia in the neglected car park of the neglected Villa Fiori. It still manages to look beautiful.
With a bit of luck a buyer will turn up in April when the building goes on sale.
Neglected magnolia
19
Tag Archives: Bagni di Lucca
Omaggio alla Donna
The exhibition celebrating women has opened at the Casino at Bagni di Lucca. The opening ceremony was very well attended.
There were too many people there last night to allow me to get reasonable photos, so I went back this afternoon. The theme for artists was The Dreams of Women…interpreted in many ways.
A highlight was Maureen Halson’s white horse. The animal is huge and very impressive.
In another room was the photography area.
As well as current photos there is a lovely collection of photos put together by residents. It is fun to see scenes from times gone by.
The exhibition continues until Sunday.
The last of winter
The weather has been a bit crazy lately. We have had days of rain, howling winds and some lovely sunshine.
Spring will soon be here. I can see a tinge of green appearing on the trees.
The last days of winter are looking good….
Spring is just around the corner.
The pansies are planted
Between rain showers I planted the pansies on the bridge at Ponte a Serraglio.
It is raining heavily today…I hope the poor little things don’t drown.
I chose the smaller flowers this year as they put on a great show last year. Here is a reminder of what they will look like soon if the weather cooperates.
Early spring at Ponte a Serraglio
I arrived from Australia to find my daffodils have appeared on the balcony. I planted a couple of bulbs a few years ago and they have multiplied.
They are such cheery little flowers and have clearly been enjoying the rain.
Soon I will plant pansies on the bridge.
Something a little different
For those who would like a change from delicious Italian food, how about a delicious curry?
On Friday 26th February Ristorante del Sonno in La Villa is having one of their famous curry nights. For just €10 you can enjoy chicken, beef or vegetarian curry with rice. The price includes a small beer or a quarter litre of wine. Call 0583 805080 or 3356197303 to make a reservation.
A celebration of women
It is almost time for the festival to celebrate women at the casino in Ponte a Serraglio.
In a week of events there will be something for everyone…see you there.
The diver
Some undergrowth has been removed from what is left of the garden around Villa Fiori in Ponte a Serraglio. A sculpture of a diving girl has been uncovered.
She is one of a group of sculptures that stood around a shallow pool, now empty and abandoned. The others have disappeared and she has lost an arm.
The neglect of this building is a crying shame…but you could do something about this. Villa Fiori is for sale. For less than €1 million it could be yours.
Spread the word, tell everyone you know. There must be someone out there with vision (and money). Bagni di Lucca is a wonderful collection of villages, famous for its spas. The area is gorgeous, with mountains, a beautiful river and the first casino in Europe, as well as the spas that need a little love and attention. While other towns and villages in Italy struggle to find a focus for regrowth, Bagni di Lucca is a treasure trove.
It just needs someone with ideas and money to bring life to some of the magnificent old buildings. We love Bagni di Lucca just the way it is, and we don’t want it to change too much, but it would be great to see more opportunities for young locals, who shouldn’t have to leave their beloved home town to find work.
I Caduti
Most of the villages in Bagni di Lucca have monuments to fallen soldiers from WWI and WWII.
Ponte a Serraglio is no exception.
I think the statue is very stylish. It looks a bit Art Deco to me. What do you think?
Then and now…the church at Ponte a Serraglio
The church at Ponte a Serraglio was built in 1544. It has been remodelled a few times.
Here it is in 1910.
…and 1922.
…and after the last restoration.
Here it is now.
The interior is quite pretty.
The church is very well kept by a group of volunteers and is often adorned with flowers…poke your head in if you are nearby. It is a short walk from the bridge on the opposite side of the river from the piazza.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 