Then and now…Bagni Caldi

Posted on September 7, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

At the Terme in Bagni Caldi I found a painting of Bagni Caldi. It is a view from Ponte a Serraglio.

The bridge in the painting isn’t in the same position as the current one, but several of the buildings still exist.

Here is a photo taken today from the spot where the artist must have stood.

The old hotel, Villa Pio X and Villa Talenti are visible, but San Giovanni baths are hidden by trees.

In the photo below you can see the restored Doccia Bassa below Villa Talenti.

I don’t know when the painting was done. Perhaps somebody out there knows. I might take another trip to Terme for more information.

Gorgeous Ghivizzano

Posted on September 3, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Not far from Bagni di Lucca is the lovely hilltop town of Ghivizzano. At the gateway to the magnificent Garfagnana, the town dates back to the 900s.

The town is dominated by the castle on top of the hill. The arched entrance at lower end of town takes you through covered alleyways and through winding cobblestone streets up to the church and castle.

Of course, the views are beautiful from the high position.

We wandered slowly upwards.

We were there on the day of a festival in the courtyard in front of the castle…a perfect place to hold an archery competition in full costume.

It is possible to climb the tower at the castle, so of course we did.

Keep an eye out for festivals at Ghivizzano. The castle is a great venue and it really gives you an idea of life in different times.

A determined bird

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

If you look closely in the photo of the waterfall in the river at Ponte a Serraglio you will see a seagull. I watched this bird over several days and he always appeared in the same spot on a ledge in the middle of the overflow.

He is clearly standing there waiting for a fish to come hurtling through the water towards him. It must work because it is his regular place.

It seems odd to see seagulls in a mountain village, but the sea is quite close as the crow, or in this case, the seagull, flies.

Our ducks seem to be disappearing slowly, but the seagulls are always on the river.

Eremo di Calomini

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

This beautiful white sanctuary set into the edge of a rocky cliff just past Gallicano, has been around since about 1,000AD. The church is carved into the rock and has been expanded over the centuries to include the presbytery and the sacristy. The double colonnaded facade was added in the 18th century.

The Calomini hermits took care of the sanctuary until 1868 and now it is in the care of the Lucca Capuchin Fathers. They have done a great job… take a look.

The wooden doors are beautifully carved.

The interior is beautiful.

You can clearly see that the church has been carved into the rock.

The view from the front of the hermitage is wonderful.

To get to the Hermitage, take the road to Gallicano, then look for the signs to Vergemoli and La Grotta del Vento. The sign for the Hermitage is about 1 kilometre past the end of Gallicano. It is not always open, so it is a good idea to phone ahead. 39 0583 767003.

There is a parking area beside the sanctuary. Look for the excellent restaurant just a short walk from the parking area where they serve delicious meals, especially local trout.

www.eremocalomini.com

Local news…

There will be a celebration on Saturday 23rd August for the conclusion of the exhibition of textiles, Nodi della Memoria, at the Casino in Ponte a Serraglio. Fesivities begin at 17.00 with the opening of the exhibition; at 21.00 there will be a shop and at 22.30 there will be music and refreshments on the terrace.

To book, please phone Tina: 0583 805815 (9.00 – 12.00) or Gemma: 349 8499704

Osteria al Ritrovo del Platano

Posted on August 15, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

This is a great place to eat not far from Bagni di Lucca, on the way to Castelnuovo. Osteria al Ritrovo del Platano is a Slow Food restaurant at Ponte di Campio. The chef is Mauro Bertolini and he prides himself on providing delicious local food in season…special tastes of the Garfagnana. The food is both traditional and innovative.

I discovered it one wet, cold day on my way to Castelnuovo. The entrance doesn’t really give any idea of what you will find inside. The restaurant is quite large and well set out.

The workman’s lunch is one of the best in the area, and amazing value at 10 euro.

I ordered the pasta arrabbiata, fried trout and peperonata.

I didn’t leave much.

There were some very delicious looking desserts available, but I couldn’t fit anything else in, so I just had a coffee.

I have been back for dinner, which is also excellent. The prices are a little higher, but worth every centesimo.

There is a small parking area on the side of the road on the Gallicano side of the restaurant.

www.osteriaalritrovodelplatano.it

Pieve di Controne

Posted on August 8, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Pieve di Controne is a small village in a beautiful rural setting in the Controneria area. It is 565 metres above sea level and 8 kilometres from the centre of Bagni di Lucca.

From the main road from La Villa towards San Cassiano, take the road through San Gemignano. From there you will drive through a pretty forest for one kilometre until you reach Pieve di Controne.

The parish church is dedicated to San Giovanni Battista. It was previously the church of Santo Stefano which was mentioned in a parchment in 884 AD. It was one of 28 churches founded by San Frediano.

In the 14th century there was a landslide which ruined the entrance, so another was built on the other side. Both facades are visible today, making the church very interesting indeed. It was not open the day I was there. I will return to see the stone font and the organ built in 1773 by Michelangelo Crudelli.

The bell tower was built in the 19th century and has the largest bells in the territory of Bagni di Lucca.

Few people live in Pieve di Controne today. The lucky ones who make it home have some of the best views in the area. There are lovely gardens and areas of cultivation. Come for a walk with me through the village.

I visited Pieve di Controne in late spring. I’m sure it would just as lovely in other seasons, especially autumn when the chestnut trees turn golden…I will be back.

River lights

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

There is a delightful new art installation in the river directly below my apartment in Ponte a Serraglio. If only I was there to see it.

The best way to see it is to go to the site of the clever people who did it.

www.fortyfourten.tumblr.com

The Bagni di Lucca Art Festival

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

The second Bagni di Lucca Art Festival is well underway in Ponte a Serraglio and La Villa. I would love to be there to see it, but I am in Australia for a while. Luckily for us Francis is there to report on the fun.

Go to From London to Longoio to see the latest from the festival.

Crasciana

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Crasciana is 799 metres above sea level and is about 12 kilometres from La Villa. The winding road to the village takes you through lovely forests. The chestnut forests close to Crasciana are particularly beautiful.

The name Crasciana comes from the Roman colonist Carsius. The town has a long history, beginning around 800 AD. At one time it had a large population and was important strategically in the years of fighting in the area.

It is delightfully sleepy now, a peaceful and beautiful place to visit. We drove up in late spring and the road was lined with wildflowers.

There are some fine old houses and decorations, narrow streets, and a collection of green doors.

A lovely little piazza in the centre of town makes a great place to gather for a chat.

The gardens are well cared for…there are flowers and vegetables growing all over the village.

As with all of the mountain villages, the views are spectacular, even on a hazy day.

We really enjoyed our walk through Crasciana and spoke to a few of the lucky locals who call it home. One resident pointed out that there is a Crasciana Alta…a good reason for another visit.

To reach Crasciana, take the turn off from the SS12 towards Casabasciana and follow the signs to Crasciana.

Colori e Sapori

Posted on July 9, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

The annual art competition will take place this Sunday 13th July in the grounds of the Villa Fiori at Ponte a Serraglio.

The day will begin at 8.00am. Lunch will be at 12.30 with delicious produce from the area. There will be games and painting for children and the competition will be judged at 6.00pm.

It is always a great day. Here are some photos from past years.