La Villa is the commercial centre of Bagni di Lucca. It is the village most people think of as Bagni di Lucca, which is actually a collection of small villages scattered along the Lima River and in the mountains either side of it.
It is possible to see most of La Villa from a hill above.
The beautiful pool with a view is visible.
…and the ancient church.
…and the beautiful park.
The table is set for a quiet evening above La Villa.
Soon the sun goes down and the lights come on.
There was a fashion parade in La Villa a few nights ago. It drew a large crowd. Summer nights make a perfect backdrop for events in the village.
It is great to see so many people out enjoying themselves. Thank you Rosi for sharing the photos with us.
The beautiful public pool in La Villa is open for summer.
See here for a previous post about the pool, with more photos and information. The phone number for the pool is 0583 86254.
If you read my other blog, Bagni di Lucca and Beyond, you will know that we had a tornado in Bagni di Lucca on Wednesday night. Many residents would have spent a terrifying night listening to the fierce wind tearing up trees and tiles from their roofs.
La Villa was very badly hit and the beautiful little park has been devasted. Trees that are hundreds of years old have been uprooted and snapped off.
The clean up was quick and efficient in La Villa. The broken tiles have all been cleaned up from the streets and the fallen trees are being cut into smaller pieces for removal.
I went for a walk through La Villa and was pleased to see that things were back in order. There is some roof damage in several buildings, including Circolo dei Forestieri, the pharmacy and Villa Ada.
Lots of trees are down in the garden on Villa Ada, but the roof damage doesn’t look as bad from the back of the building.
The trees have been removed from the church in Corsena.
A crane is at work in the nearby cemetery to help with the clean up.
Many roads to the outlying villages are cut by fallen trees. There is going to be lots of work for woodcutters for quite some time cleaning up the mess.
It was a beautiful day here today, the sun was shining and it almost felt like a spring day. It is hard to believe that this strange weather event happened at all.
It has come to my attention that the villages of Gombereto, Veteglia, San Gemignano, San Cassiano and Pieve di Controne have been badly damaged. Francis has been to the area and has some photos and news of the damage.
Sunday morning saw a colourful collection of archers in the lovely grounds of Villa Ada in La Villa. The annual crossbow competition took place under the trees. The possibility of showers kept a few people away, but the competitors carried on regardless.
Once the first round of competition was finished the cannon sounded and everyone was off to lunch.
Later in the afternoon the fun began again in the grounds of Villa Web.
It is worth taking a walk around the area even when it is not full of wonderfully dressed characters.
From Via Evangelina Whipple go through the gates leading to the swimming pool. The road is shaded by beautiful old trees.
There are some stone steps beside the road that need exploring…next time.
This Sunday, 30th March, will be the first of a series of flea markets to be held in La Villa.
Come along and buy, sell or swap antique objects, arts and crafts…anything at all.
If you are interested in any information contact l’Ufficio SUAP at 0583809908.
Here is the English translation of the poster…thanks Ilario.
I have been asked to do a survey.
In past years in summer, part of the main street in La Villa is closed to traffic and the area in the centre becomes a pedestrian area. The restaurants put tables outside on the street and the area in front of the Circolo dei Forestieri becomes a fun place for people to sit to eat and for children to play safely without the worry of cars.
This photo was taken yesterday, so you need to imagine that the trees are green and there are flowers everywhere.
Some car parking spaces are lost when the street is closed, but there is more parking behind the town. There is a road that goes behind the main street, so traffic is not disrupted.
There has been some talk that the street closing may not happen this year because a few businesses are not in favour of it.
I think it is a great idea, but I would like to know what you think. Would you like to see the centre of La Villa become a pedestrian area for a couple of months in summer?
If so, what hours would you like to see the street closed. If not, what are your objections?
Whatever your opinion, please leave a comment below, or send me an email….debrakolkka@gmail.com
The lovely little theatre in La Villa was modelled on La Scala in Milan…..on a much smaller scale of course.
The interior is very pretty.
It is similar to La Scala in that it is the same circular shape. Here is a look at the original.
It would be a really good idea if the Bagni di Lucca theatre was open occasionally to show visitors the interior. There are often concerts held there…check with the information office for productions.
Patrizia runs the wonderful fruit and vegetable shop in La Villa. She will select the best produce for you. Ask her for the perfect melon for lunch and she will find it. Which oranges are the best for juice…..she will tell you. Which peaches are ready to eat now…..she knows.
Look for her shop in the centre of La Villa, opposite the tiny piazza in Via Umberto1.
Circolo dei Forestieri doesn’t mean “circle of forest workers”. It was the Foreigners’ Club years ago. The building was rebuilt in 1924 over an existing 18th century structure. It was the meeting place of visitors to Bagni di Lucca and used for gambling until 1936.
It is now a restaurant. There is a lovely big dining room inside and in summer there is outdoor dining in front of the restaurant and a delightful terrace at the back, with pretty views over the river.
Although it looks quite grand the food is very reasonably priced……and very good. I photographed my own delicious food and the lovely people at the next table kindly let me take theirs as well.
That was my caprese salad and the bread that came with it was hot from the oven.
A lemon sorbet arrived between courses.
Say hello to Giovanni and Sabina…..and have a great meal.
PS. Unfortunately Circolo dei Forestieri has closed. Is there anyone out there who would like to run a restaurant in Bagni di Lucca??? It would be great to see someone take it over and bring it to life again.
Many years ago the Circolo dei Forestieri was surrounded by huge trees. Fortunately the new ones are growing.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 