Just in case you didn’t believe me when I told you Lucchio clings like a limpet to the side of a mountain, take a look at this view.
The photo was taken from the Popiglio side of Lucchio, on the road to Abetone. Lucchio looks great from any angle.
Spring seemed like a perfect excuse to revisit Longoio. It is one of the tiny villages on the way to San Cassiano. Just after the Gombereto, on a bend in the road, you will see the sign for Longoio. Turn left and follow the narrow road to the car park. From there it is walking only.
The views from Longoio are wonderful. This is looking towards Guzzano.
The weather was a bit changeable, but the sky looked magnificent most of the time.
I went for a walk above and behind Longoio. Spring gardens are being prepared.
The path leds to the most amazing forest of old oak trees and dry stone walls. The ancient paths are lined with stones. I would love to know who built them. Clearly a lot of hard work was involved.
Mushrooms in various stages of growth were to be found. The one on the right looks as though it is wearing a black wig.
The view from the top of the hill is spectacular.
Monte di Villa, Pieve di Monte di Villa, Riolo and Granaiola are visible through the trees.
I wandered down to the delightful little chapel, Madonna della Serra.
It is very well maintained.
There is a curious little statue of Beethoven just inside the window. I wonder why.
On the left of the church is a track leading down to La Villa.
On the other side there are great views of Il Rondinaio with some snow still visible.
I walked back towards Longoio past an old fountain.
I came upon the wonderful sight of a shepherd with her goats. The beautiful animals looked as though they had just been washed and brushed and were out for a walk to show off their lovely coats.
On the other side of the path another rustic scene presented itself.
I passed some huge old stone wheels from a mill.
…and came to the old path to Longoio.
Right now is a perfect time to do this walk, wisteria is in bloom, fruit trees are in blossom, wildflowers are everywhere…what more could you want?
Ivana Spagna’s concert last night was a lot of fun. I knew nothing about her, but everyone else knew all her songs and all her moves and had a great time. She covered everything from Creedence Clearwater revival to Mary Poppins and Simon and Garfunkle.
Much of the enjoyment came from watching the audience, particularly a gentleman in yellow pants who leapt to his feet and danced enthusiastically. You will see him as a blur in the photos…he could move.
Thank you to the people of Gombereto who organised the event, what an enterprising lot you are. Congratulations on a job well done.
Ivana Spagna is performing at the Teatro Accademico in La Villa on Friday night and there are some tickets left. She is kicking off her tour of Italy right here in Bagni di Lucca.
There is also a buffet dinner being held in front of the theatre at 7.00pm.
Will we see you there?
Every year, on a day in April, Borgo a Mozzano’s streets are filled with azaleas…a great time to visit this quaint nearby town. It wasn’t the best day with overcast skies and threatening rain, but I went anyway.
There were displays in the streets.
…lots of flowers for sale. Some of the rhododendrons will be living under the hazelnut trees at Casa Debbio.
Of course there was food for sale.
…and other things to buy.
The pool and surrounds in Borgo are looking great.
The pruned trees on the main street are springing to life.
On the way home I stopped on the Borgo side of the river for a different view of the Ponte della Maddelena. Even on an overcast day the bridge looks great.
You don’t really need an excuse to stop and admire this gorgeous bridge, but there is another reason apart from the sheer beauty of it.
Catia from Giocondo has opened a wonderful shop where you can buy products from her agriturismo in Lugliano. It is opposite the bridge and there is parking beside the bridge.
Click here to see more about Catia…she is a very busy woman.
Last year we had Sunday lunch at the very beautiful Fattoria del Teso, a vineyard and winery near Monte Carlo. Here is a photographic reminder of the day. See the full post here.
The clever people from Fattoria del Teso have organised a bus to pick you up in Lucca, take you to the winery for lunch and a vineyard tour and bring you back to Lucca.
The bus will leave ( a minimum of 8 people required) every Wednesday from Piazza Santa Maria at 1.00pm, arrive at Fattoria del Teso at 1.30pm, leave for Lucca at 3.30pm and arrive in Lucca at 4.00pm. The bus will be available until October.
The cost is 45 euro per person. To reserve a place, please phone (39) 0583 462620 or (39) 340 7806967. email: winebuslucca@gmail.com There is time to take public transport from Bagni di Lucca to meet the bus. If you go early you could take a walking tour of Lucca with Paola Moschini (moschinipaola@yahoo.com) Transport can be arranged from Bagni di Lucca if necessary. Fattoria del Teso is a great place to visit and their wines are excellent…take the bus…you will love it and you won’t have to drive.I walked to Gombereto down the path from San Gemignano. In just a few minutes the village comes into view.
The fruit trees look wonderful in blossom.
The path is lined with wild flowers and bees the size of my thumb were having a great time. They won’t sit still for a photo unfortunately.
The first building I came to on the path is the tiny church.
I went on further to the Piazza dei Caduti.
From there several tiny lanes lead off to different parts of the village.
Old tree trunks and barrels have been put to good use as planters.
Grape vines are sprouting.
There was a pigeon party happening on a rooftop.
…and a lone cat out for a walk.
There are some wonderful old doors in my favourite colour.
Here is the view of Gombereto from Longoio…another place to visit soon.
Bagni di Lucca’s San Gemignano is not to be confused with the town with many towers, San Gimignano. Our sleepy hamlet is part of La Controneria, the largest and most populated area of Bagni di Lucca. La Controneria includes Guzzano, Gombereto, Mobbiano, Longoio, San Gemignano, Pieve di Controne, Vetteglia and San Cassiano.
San Gemignano is 532 metres above sea level and 7.5 kilometres along a narrow, winding road from La Villa. I visited on an overcast spring day…come for a walk through the village.
The views are lovely, even on a dull day.
There is a small shop at the top of the town and a narrow lane heads down hill from there. Old stone houses line the street.
There is a track to Vetteglia.
…and a track down the other way to Gombereto.
A bit further along the main street is the church dedicated to S Gemignano Vescovo who is said to have saved the Emperor of Constantinople’s daughter from the devil.
The bell tower dates from the late 1800s. The church dates from 1581, but was rebuilt last century after an earthquake. It wasn’t open the day I was there…another visit is required.
Spring is showing its pretty face in the gardens and along the sides of the roads and tracks. There are wildflowers everywhere and some fruit trees are in blossom.
I passed a peony plant covered with flowers the size of cabbages.
Watch out for Gessy…although he doesn’t look all that fierce to me.
At the end of the town is a chestnut forrest leading to Pieve di Controne…another day.
This annual garden show is on in Lucca right now. It started today and continues tomorrow, Saturday 5th April and Sunday 6th April. If you love looking at beautiful plants this is the place to be.
I went today and the rain cleared just as the gates opened. I was one of the first in, so I had the place almost to myself. Come for a little wander with me.
My first stop was this stand with metal ornaments for your garden. I love their birds.
There was an endless variety of beautiful plants.
Of course there was food.
…and lots of other things I had no idea I needed, until I saw them.
If you are close to Lucca this weekend you shouldn’t miss this event.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 