I love to see Lucchio clinging to its mountain. Here it is in rain and mist in autumn.
When I return to Bagni di Lucca I will enjoy the stunning winter view. I am hoping for snow.
Lucchio in rain and mist
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Tag Archives: Lucchio
Chestnuts in Lucchio
Lucchio is the village that clings to an almost vertical mountain side. At the top is La Rocca, the ruins of an old fort.
La Rocca was our first destination before seeking out the roasting chestnuts.
It is a steep climb to the top along a rocky path.
We passed an enthusiastic gardener digging his rich looking soil.
Onwards and upwards…
There are some steep steps to the very top.
There isn’t much of the fort left, just a few crumbling walls.
The views are stunning even on a misty, wet day.
A family found a great spot for a picnic.
We had lunch in the local restaurant, which had drawn a large crowd. Our 3 course lunch was delicious. I forgot to photograph the pasta course and the roast meat, but here is the antipasti.
The chestnuts were being roasted down by the church, so this time we headed down towards the bottom of the village. Not many people live in Lucchio these days, but the village is well loved by those who do live there. The streets are well maintained and clean. There are a few houses for sale, just in case you are looking for a quiet life with great views.
The church was open and later there was to be a concert.
The chestnut roasting was well underway by the time we got there. I have acquired a taste for necci with ricotta, and this was the best I have had.
The road down offers glimpses of Lucchio through the trees.
Autumn in Lucchio
Lucky Catherine Keens has a house in Lucchio. She was there recently and took these gorgeous photos of the village.
Autumn is a beautiful time to be in Lucchio. Thank you Catherine for sharing it with us.
Lucchio, then and now
Do you think Lucchio has changed much over the years?
Almost spring in Lucchio
Spring is a bit late coming this year and this has not been helped by the icy blast of wind blowing from the Alps.
But the trees are beginning to turn green…you can see a tinge of green on the trees framing lovely Lucchio.
Wild flowers are appearing and potted plants and fruit blossoms are springing to life.
There is always a friendly cat looking for a sunny spot in the mountain villages.
There is still snow on the higher mountains, making for some spectacular views.
The little bar in the piazza near the car park is thriving. After the death of the previous owner there was a danger the bar would close, but fortunately new people have taken over and are doing a great job…meet Franco.
As well as bar snacks and delicious sweets, there are great meals being served on weekends by Franco and his family. In summer the bar will be open more often and tables will spill out onto the terrace.
There are some excellent bargains in Lucchio for anyone looking for a house to buy.
It would be a great way to have a base in Italy without having to spend a lot of money. The village becomes quite lively in the summer months when ex Lucchio residents return to open their houses and enjoy gorgeous views and fresh mountain air.
Lofty Lucchio
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.
Lucchio
Lucchio, at 780 metres above sea level, is one of the higher villages of Bagni di Lucca. Stone houses cling to the side of the mountain, making you wonder how on earth they were built all those years ago.
There is a ruin of a fortress at the top of the village. The fortress successfully defended the town against invaders in the centuries of fighting in the area.
We didn’t make it to the very top….next time
Of course there are magnificent views from the village.
Not many people live in Lucchio now, but the village is well preserved and there are some lovely buildings and well kept gardens. We spent an hour or 2 wandering (slowly, these streets are steep ) It is said that the hens in Lucchio lays square eggs to prevent them from rolling down the hill.
Don’t overlook Lucchio in your travels in Bagni di Lucca. It is the last village on the way to Abetone.
Thank you Italy Magazine for choosing Lucchio as the Best Single Travel Post in the Blogger Awards and thank you to all those who voted for Bella Bagni di Lucca.
Here are some other posts on Bella Bagni di Lucca you might find interesting.
An Old Tradition in Bagni di Lucca
Bella Bagni di Lucca 