Ponte della Maddalena…..Devil’s Bridge

Posted on February 19, 2012 by Debra Kolkka

Ponte Maddalena

While this gorgeous bridge is not actually in Bagni di Lucca it is synonymous with the area, and a perfect introduction to our villages . The very beautiful Ponte Diavolo crosses the Serchio river at Borgo a Mozzano, just 4 kilometres before Bagni di Lucca.

The bridge was thought to be commissioned by the Countess Matilda of Tuscany around 1080 – 1100 to enable people to cross the Serchio and get access to the spas in Bagno di Corsena, as Bagni di Lucca was then called.

The name Ponte Maddalena comes from a life size image of Maddalena, a painting from the Della Robbia school, which was in an oratory at the foot of the bridge. You can now see it in the Church of S. Jacopo in Borgo a Mozzano.

The bridge’s more popular name, Devil’s Bridge, comes from the legend from the time of Saint Julian, the protector of travellers. The devil was asked for help to construct the bridge and in return he was offered the soul of whoever crossed the bridge first. Saint Julian arranged for a dog to cross the bridge for the first time.

In 1836 a flood damaged the bridge and it required significant repairs. An extra arch was added in the early 1900s to make more room for a surfaced roadway.

spring at Ponte della Maddalena

beside the bridge

a perfect reflection

the main arch is 18.5 metres high

looking down from the top

looking towards Bagni di Lucca

from the top

a perfect spring day

looking towards Borgo a Mozzano

the beautiful Serchio valley

Lucky for us it is still intact and it is possible to walk across the bridge and to admire the excellent view from the highest arch.

The bridge takes on a completely different look in winter. I think it looked wonderful in 2011 with the huge flag put there to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy.

a rainy day at Ponte della Maddalena

even the ducks are impressed

There is a car park beside the bridge to allow you to stop for a while. I tried walking there from Bagni di Lucca once, but that was a bit scary. There is no footpath and the road is narrow and I was shouted at by drivers. There is a bus stop there, so if you can coordinate the buses, that would be an option. Walking from Borgo a Mozzano is a bit less dramatic.

I think the perfect solution would be a footpath constructed beside the road, over the river, which would give excellent pedestrian access…… is anyone listening?

The English Church in Bagni di Lucca

Posted on February 18, 2012 by Debra Kolkka

At the beginning of the 19th century Bagni di Lucca became a popular destination for large numbers of English people who liked to spend their summers here. Among others, the poets Shelley, Byron and the Barrett Brownings came to enjoy the spa town in the 1800s.

It was decided to build an Anglican church for the new arrivals. In 1839 Carlo Ludovico, Duke of Lucca, granted permission to build the “Palace of the English Nation” as it was called. The work was entrusted to Giuseppe Pardini, who made the building in the Anglicised neo classic design.

the front door to the church

the back of the building in spring

it needs a bit of work

one of the lovely windows

decoration under the windows

The building is no longer a church, but has been put to good use as a library and it also houses historical information.

Some of the lovely old chairs from the casino are kept here to help preserve them.

On Thursday evenings films are shown here.

Some of the old church is still visible.

The English Church is in La Villa behind the main street, Via Umberto1, on the way to the swimming pool, in the delightfully named Via Evangelina Whipple.

The library is open:-
Monday – Wednesday……… 9.00 – 13.00 / 15.00 – 18.00
Thursday……………………….. 15.00 – 19.00
Friday………………………………9.00 – 13.00 / 15.00 – 18.00
Saturday …………………………9.00 – 13.00

Say hello to Angela, the librarian if you drop in.

Sometimes Signore Cherubini is there as well. He can tell you lots about Bagni di Lucca.

Seasons

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Debra Kolkka

One of the things I like most about living in Bagni di Lucca is the change of seasons. I love the starkness of winter with the occasional promise of snow.