A tribute to women at the casino

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Omaggio alla Donna is in full swing at the casino at Ponte a Serraglio. I called in this evening to take a look at the paintings, sculpture and photography celebrating women.

It was great to see the exhibition well attended. The casino is a beautiful building and it is wonderful to see it being put to good use.

In the main room of the casino the painting and sculpture are displayed.

In the smaller room in the centre is the photography.

Gemma and her team have done a great job again this year with the exhibition in the second large room. They have put together a collection of things related to kitchens, cooking and table settings from times past.

There is still time to see the exhibition. It will be open tomorrow night, Friday 14th March, from 5.00pm until 8.00pm. On Saturday evening there will be music provided by the Emma Morton Tiro and a buffet will follow.

The event finishes on Sunday evening from 4.00pm until 8.00pm.

Al Laghetto…the food is good

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Al Laghetto sits beside the river on the way to Fabriche di Vallico. We were there not long after the disastrous storm which caused lots of damage in the area, so it the setting wasn’t as picturesque as usual.

The restaurant was full for Sunday lunch when we arrived. Fortunately there was room for us. I love the rustic setting.

You need to have a big appetite with you…take a look at the delicious food.

Al Laghetto is a great place for Sunday lunch. The atmosphere is lively and a lot of fun.

Tiglio tunnels in winter

Posted on March 1, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

The gorgeous Tiglio (Linden) trees form magnificent green tunnels on the roads leading into Bagni di Lucca in spring and summer.

I think they look just as wonderful in winter when their moss covered trunks and grizzled branches starkly show the way to Bagni di Lucca.

In just a few weeks spring will begin and the trees will turn green before our eyes…and in no time at all they will look like this.

Omaggio alla Donna

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March. The focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women’s economic, political and social achievements.

For the second year Bagni di Lucca will hold its Omaggio alla Donna at the Casino Municipale in Ponte a Serraglio.

There will be exhibitions of painting, sculpture, photography and a display of things related to cooking and recipes from the past until today.

The opening event will be on 8th March at 6.00pm. There will be music and refreshments. A small donation of €5 is suggested.

The exhibition will be open from Saturday 8th until 16th March. On Saturdays and Sundays it will be open from 4.00pm until 8.00pm and Monday to Friday from 5.00pm until 8.00pm.

The exhibition will close on Sunday 16th March. On Saturday evening 15th March, there will be music by the Emma Morton Trio followed by a buffet.

I hope everybody will attend at least once.

Escape

Posted on February 22, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

I do feel sorry for cats who are stuck inside all the time. I know it is safer for them and the wildlife, but I see them looking longingly at life outside their little worlds and I want to help them escape.

This handsome fellow was plotting his escape in Fornoli as I walked past.

Then and now…Il Paretaio

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Above Ponte a Serraglio going towards Colle is an area called Il Paretaio. It was one earliest areas settled in Bagni di Lucca.

It is a delightful walk up from the river, past the Hotel Bernabo, through the archway called dello Spiffero, past the church of San Martino built in 1292, past the decaying residence of the grandduke of Tuscany Leopoldo II of Lorena and up the hill.

At the end of a tree lined road you come to a little square. Last century there was a cafe there.

It was clearly popular.

Now it is a private house.

What a pity. It would be wonderful to walk up there on a summer evening for an aperitivo.

From Il Paretaio it is possible to keep heading uphill to Colle and further on to the park at the top of the hill.

The tiny Cheisina Alpini was built in 1951 to honour the brave Alpini soldiers.

There is also a track leading down from Il Paretaio towards La Villa. The pathway is called Via dell’Amore, Lovers’s Walk. The path is a bit overgrown now, but you can see that it must have been beautiful once. There are stone seats along the way and it is easy to imagine well dressed people strolling on a warm afternoon and enjoying the pretty surroundings.

In spring I will walk with my camera and show you the wild strawberries, mini crocuses and primulas growing beside the track.

A winter visit

Posted on February 8, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Most people like to visit Bagni di Lucca in the summer when the days are long and hot and there is lots of activity. This is fun, but winter has its charms. We often get blue sky days with crisp winter air and you can spend cosy nights beside the fire.

Ski fields are not far away in Abetone and sometimes there is snow on the lower villages, making everything look beautiful with a snowy white coat.

I love the winter landscape. Just take a look at some gorgeous winter scenes in and around Bagni di Lucca.

As well as gorgeous scenery there are no crowds, making a visit to galleries and museums in nearby Lucca, Florence and Pisa easy. There are lots of fun things to do on a winter visit.

Meet Guido from Nonsolovino

Posted on February 3, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

We have an excellent enoteca in La Villa. Nonsolovino sells a great selection of wine, both local and from other places in the world.

Guido, the delightful owner, has a wonderful knowledge of the wines he carries and will help you choose the right one for you.

There is lots to choose from.

Nonsolovino also carries delicious olive oil, jam, honey and other locally produced goodies.

Drop in and say hello to Guido and I’m sure you will leave with something delicious.

Don’t forget to go to Italy Magazine and take a look at the 2 posts about Bagni di Lucca that have made the shortlist in the Blog Awards.

Click here to go to the voting page. The posts are in the Best Single Living in Italy Post and Best Single Travel Post. It all helps to promote our lovely village.

Villa Fiori needs some love

Posted on January 29, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Villa Fiori in Ponte a Serraglio was originally called Villa Pieri. The villa takes its present name from Baron Fiori who purchased it in the second half of the 19th century. The appearence of the building has changed several times.

Here is a photo before the most recent change of appearence.

The latest renovation was done by Paolinelli in 1916 – 1917 when it was owned by Jean Varraud, who ran the thermal baths at Bagni Caldi until 1968.

When I first came to Bagni di Lucca some of the statues of swimmers still stood beside the little pool in the garden.

The house now sits lonely and unloved beside the river. The little park near the house is cared for by the people of Borgo degli Artisti and there are regular events held there.

I particularly like the 4 towers in the park on the edge of the property.

Villa Fiori looks wonderful from above the village.

It would be great if someone came along and breathed new life into Villa Fiori…any takers?

The villages of Bagni di Lucca

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

It is 2 years since I began Bella Bagni di Lucca. In that time I have tried to visit all the villages that make up Bagni di Lucca. They are scattered along the Lima River and in the mountains on either side.

Here are the villages I have visited so far, in alphabetical order. Click on the name to see more of the village.

Pieve di Monti di Villa.

Ponte a Serraglio.

Vico Pancellorum.

I hope to make my way to the villages I have missed over the next few months. I know I must see Crasciano, Mobiano, and a few others. Let me know of any more you want to see.

Bella Bagni di Lucca

A beautiful village in Tuscany

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