If you like necci, castagnaccio, fritelle and castagne be in Benabbio on 5th November.
The feasting begins at 2.00pm.
Necci in Benabbio
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Tag Archives: Benabbio
Chestnuts in Benabbio
I hope everyone will head up to Benabbio to enjoy some necci…chestnut pancakes.
Let’s hope for a fine, sunny 8th November.
A Benabbio sunset
After a lovely evening with friends in Benabbio I was delighted to see a beautiful sunset. I walked from the top of Benabbio to the lower car park. It was quite late, 9.45pm, and I caught the last rays of sunlight disappearing below the mountains.
It is easy to see why people live in these gorgeous mountain villages. The views are incredible at any time of the day and in every season.
Benabbio
The road to Benabbio is one of the better mountain roads in the area. It is about 5 kilometres from La Villa to Benabbio, which sits about 480 metres above sea level. It is home to around 350 people.
I visited the town after a recent snow fall and found it looking very beautiful on a gorgeous winter day. Come for a walk around the village with me.
You can always find a cat in a warm sunny place.
Snow adds a gorgoeus touch to any view.
While I was in Benabbio I had lunch at the excellent Il Cavallino Bianco. I have eaten here a few times, click here to see the post I wrote about my lunch on a previous visit.
I still have to try the other restaurant in Benabbio…Acquolina in Bocca…next time.
The inauguration of San Michele Arcangelo in Benabbio
While I was enjoying myself at the archery competition in La Villa another important event was taking place high above Benabbio. Morena from the Borgo Artisti went along and took some photos for us.
There was a Castello by Lupo Lupari on the original site of the village of Benabbio, above where the village now stands. The ruins of the castle are still there.
The small church beside the Castello has been restored and people gathered to inaugurate the building.
It was a hot day and it is a long walk up that hill. A lucky few got a ride up.
Some managed the walk.
Everyone moved into the restored church.
There were photo boards of the restoration process.
It took a lot of work to bring the church back to life.
San Michele Arcangelo.
The stone floor is original.
The architect who supervised the restoration and the local historian spoke, then it was time for the priest to bless the church.
It was hot in there.
Soon it was time for everyone to be outside for refreshments.
People of all ages were there to celebrate.
Finding a spot in the shade was a good idea.
Man’s best friend is always welcome.
There is a cemetery beside the church and in 2007 – 2011 students from the university of Pisa began excavating the graves. Victims of a cholera epidemic were hastily buried and 26 skeletons have been found so far. Work will begin again soon.
Next time you are in Benabbio, take a walk up the hill to the restored church…try it on a cool day.
Thank you Morena for giving me the details of this occasion and for taking lots of photos for us.
Lunch at Cavallino Bianco in Benabbio
I had heard that there was a good restaurant in Benabbio so on a quiet winter Sunday I made my way to the hilltop village. Benabbio is about 5 kilometres uphill from La Villa. Take the road towards Abetone, turn right at the Benabbio sign and follow the winding road.
The road to Benabbio.
There are some lovely buildings in Benabbio and some spectacular views, even in winter.
It was easy to find the restaurant. It is right on the tiny piazza in the centre of the village
The restaurant was full for Sunday lunch….a good sign.
The menu was not written, but the very cheerful owner told me what was on offer for the day. I started with delicious antipasto.
These little pillows of deliciousness are pasta fritta. It is a bread dough that is fried rather than baked.
For those who don’t like pigeons, here is your revenge, risotto al piccione. I do like pigeons, but I pushed my guilt aside.
I was also given some home made pasta to try…..and it was very good.
I watched some wonderful looking dishes being delivered and eaten very quickly at nearby tables. I clearly need to come back to try some of the other choices.
Dessert was too good to refuse.
There is a downstairs bar as well as the upstairs restaurant.
Here is the lovely man who served me. I didn’t catch his name. I really will have to go back.
Cavallino Bianco, Piazza S. Maria, 13. Benabbio
http://www.ilcavallinobianco.com
(+39) 0583 804089
Bella Bagni di Lucca 