Sala

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Between rain showers I went to see Sala, a Localita of Bagni di Lucca. To get there, follow the sign to Casabasciana from the SS Brennero. Before you get to Casabasciana there is a sign on the right pointing to Sala.

The road into Sala is lovely.

Someone has been busy chopping wood.

…arriving in Sala.

There is a serious bocce pitch…is that the correct word? It is at the entrance to the town.

Only a handful of people live in Sala, but those who do, look after their little piece of heaven. The houses are all cared for and the gardens are beautiful…come for a walk through the hamlet.

There are a couple of archways leading into the group of houses.

I found a path with a huge cherry tree, laden with almost ripe fruit.

I also found walnut trees, grapes and kiwi vines.

Going through another arch there was a happy tortoise enjoying a bath.

It reminded me a bit of Yoda.

The gardens are thriving under the obvious care of their owners. There are flowers everywhere.

There are views up to Casabasciana.

…and across to Brandeglio.

Sala is another delightful part of Bagni di Lucca. I can see why people would love to live here.

Ponte Maggio

Posted on May 5, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

There are several bridges crossing the Lima River in Bagni di Lucca, but Ponte Maggio which crosses to Casoli is probably the prettiest.

The river looks very inviting from the bridge. I went down to the water here last year and dipped my toes in. I was very tempted to dive in.

It was a bit cool on my recent visit, but I’m sure this bit of the river will be popular when the weather warms up.

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 little chapel

Posted on December 6, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

On the road into Ponte a Serraglio (SS Brennero) there is a little chapel…just in front of the parked silver car on the left.

I have driven and walked past it for years and have never noticed it until recently.

It is is reasonable condition.

It looks quite pretty from the front.

There is a semicircular seat in the front, a nice place to rest before visiting the chapel.

The interior is well kept.

Beside it is a ruin…a wall and a set of steps. I wonder what that was.

Does anyone know anything about the chapel?

Then and now…monument to the fallen

Posted on November 11, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

Here is a photo of Il Monumento ai Caduti in La Villa in 1940.

…and now.

I like it with the trees.

Autumn in Lucchio

Posted on November 3, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

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.

Night comes to La Villa

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

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.

Guzzano

Posted on September 5, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

My previous post on Guzzano was in late winter. The village looks great in all seasons, but I thought some early summer photos would be in order.

Guzzano is just 10 minutes drive from La Villa on the road up to San Cassiano and Montefegatesi. The views are stunning from the village.

A walk along the narrow lanes reveals some lovely houses and gardens.

The little church is dwarfed by the gorgeous tree in front of it.

The budding fruit on the trees and vines would have ripened by now and some of it already eaten…delicious.

Another visit in autumn is in order.

Summer in Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

Ponte a Serraglio looks glorious in summer. I love every season, but when everything is green and lush Ponte is wonderful.

There are often fishermen on the river, I hope they catch something.

By the end of the hottest season the water level in the river drops unless there is summer rain.

This year has been very hot and dry, so it will no longer be as green as when I took these photos, but still beautiful.

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.

Bella Bagni di Lucca

A beautiful village in Tuscany

Tag Archives: mountain villages in Italy