Celebrations in Monti di Villa

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Debra Kolkka

Monti di Villa is one of the beautiful village that make up Bagni di Lucca.

Over the next few days,14th, 15th and 16th August, the people of Monti di Villa will be celebrating the “descent from the altar of Madonna” . There will be church services, fun and games, an exhibition of photography and, of course, delicious food.

The celebrations will take place at the church of Santa Maria and Donatus at the lower end of Monti di Villa. (The bottom left of the photo).

Call Emiliana for more information or to book a place…(39) 328 7029889

Presepe Vivente

Posted on December 9, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

The Presepe Vivente, or Living Nativity was held this year in Monti di Villa. The whole village is involved and the residents all take their parts. Everyone dresses up and takes on a role from times past.

3 local photographers were on hand to record the wonderful event…a working peace of art and heritage.

David Bonaventuri is from Montefegstesi. Here are his terrific photos. I particularly love his portraits of the fabulous faces.

Paul Anthony Davies lives in San Cassiano and is clearly passionate about his subject.

Valerio Ceccarelli captured the spirit and the culmination of the event, complete with donkey, 3 wise men, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

Thank you to all 3 photographers for allowing us to share the event.

For more photos of the Presepe Vivente see Bagni di Lucca and Beyond.

A walk in Monti di Villa

Posted on May 30, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

Spring is the perfect time to visit the villages of Bagni di Lucca. I had only been to Monti di Villa once, so I thought it was time to go back. This is Monti di Villa from Granaiola…right in the middle of the photo.

Come for a walk with me through Monti di Villa. There is a car park at the base of the village and an easy path up.

There are some pretty gardens to admire.

Spring flowers were in full bloom.

I loved the garden decorations.

The old doors always fascinate me.

There are some amazing views from Monti di Villa, even on a hazy day.

On a warm spring afternoon it is easy to fall asleep after lunch.

I walked along the ridge which is the highest part of Monti di Villa. From here you can look back across the village.

I met a friendly local who showed me a lovely green path.

She also pointed me in the direction of a lower path back to the car park. It was lined with wild flowers and covered by an oak canopy…what a gorgeous place to walk.

…and another place to admire the view.

Monti di Villa…one of the lovely villages that make up Bagni di Lucca.

Monti di Villa

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

Monti di Villa is one of the higher villages in Bagni di Lucca at almost 600 metres above sea level. It is made up of 3 hamlets…Lugnano, the higest, Bugnano, the abandoned village, and Riolo. Today about 100 people live in Monti di Villa.

Lugnano, which is signposted Monti di Villa, sits along a ridge with mountains forming an impressive backdrop.