Vizzata

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

Vizzata is one of the tiny hamlets that make up San Cassiano.

Rain clouds threatened to make their way across the mountain behind the village the afternoon I was there, but the rain held off long enough for me to have a look around.

I parked my car at the car park at the bottom of the village as I couldn’t see a road in. The little path into the centre was lined with pretty gardens and flower filled pots.

Vizzata is very tiny. I don’t know how many people live there, but I suspect it is not many. There are some very interesting buildings, including a few renovators’ delights.

There were some very tired cats resting in quiet spots.

All of the mountain villages in Bagni di Lucca have beautiful views, and Vizzata is no exception.

Don’t miss Vizzata on your travels around Bagni di Lucca.

Crasciana Alta

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

I recently visited the lovely village of Crasciana. Some friendly locals told me that I must visit Crasciana Alta, the upper area of the village. I didn’t have time that day, but a few days ago I returned and took a walk through this beautiful villlage.

Crasciana Alta is a short drive ( about 3 kilometres) up hill from Crasciana. Take the road to the left just before you enter Crasciana.

You will come to a fork in the road.

I would suggest parking nearby and taking the time to look through the pretty cemetery here. The entrance is through the gate beside the little chapel.

Take the road to the right of the cross to enter Crasciana Alta. There is a little square right at the entrance to the village, with a pretty sculpture and view.

The village is on the side of a mountain, the streets are steep and narrow. They branch off in all directions…take them all.

There are lots of interesting details to be found.

The last of the summer flowers put on a display for me.

As usual the church has nabbed one of the best positions in town…high above the village.

Behind the church is another small cemetery.

There is also a lovely open area offering excellent views.

There is a pretty path down from the top.

Look back towards the campanile.

I came upon a group of gentlemen having a chat in the piazza who told me I should leave Ponte a Serraglio immediately and move to Crasciana Alta. Funnily enough, most of the people I meet in the mountain villages say the same thing. They say it is more tranquil, the air is better and life is good. I love the fact that they are proud of their little parts of the world and I can understand why they are so happy there.

On the way down the mountain I stopped for one more look at Crasciana Alta.

If you visit Bagni di Lucca take the time to see the mountain villages…you won’t be sorry.

Pieve di Controne

Posted on August 8, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Pieve di Controne is a small village in a beautiful rural setting in the Controneria area. It is 565 metres above sea level and 8 kilometres from the centre of Bagni di Lucca.

From the main road from La Villa towards San Cassiano, take the road through San Gemignano. From there you will drive through a pretty forest for one kilometre until you reach Pieve di Controne.

The parish church is dedicated to San Giovanni Battista. It was previously the church of Santo Stefano which was mentioned in a parchment in 884 AD. It was one of 28 churches founded by San Frediano.

In the 14th century there was a landslide which ruined the entrance, so another was built on the other side. Both facades are visible today, making the church very interesting indeed. It was not open the day I was there. I will return to see the stone font and the organ built in 1773 by Michelangelo Crudelli.

The bell tower was built in the 19th century and has the largest bells in the territory of Bagni di Lucca.

Few people live in Pieve di Controne today. The lucky ones who make it home have some of the best views in the area. There are lovely gardens and areas of cultivation. Come for a walk with me through the village.

I visited Pieve di Controne in late spring. I’m sure it would just as lovely in other seasons, especially autumn when the chestnut trees turn golden…I will be back.

Lofty Lucchio

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

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.

Longoio revisited

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

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?

The villages of Bagni di Lucca

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

It is 2 years since I began Bella Bagni di Lucca. In that time I have tried to visit all the villages that make up Bagni di Lucca. They are scattered along the Lima River and in the mountains on either side.

Here are the villages I have visited so far, in alphabetical order. Click on the name to see more of the village.

Pieve di Monti di Villa.

Ponte a Serraglio.

Vico Pancellorum.

I hope to make my way to the villages I have missed over the next few months. I know I must see Crasciano, Mobiano, and a few others. Let me know of any more you want to see.

Pallegio

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Debra Kolkka

Pallegio has ancient origins. It was once a fortified stronghold guarding the Controneria area nearby. The village is not far from the Brennero Road towards Abetone.

It is a sleepy little village with 132 inhabitants. Come for a wander with me.

Like all of Bagni di Lucca’s mountain villages, there are wonderful views.

The narrow streets have many delights.

Soon it is back to the car park and time to say goodbye to Pallegio.

On the way back to the Brennero I found a road to the left and found what I think is the oratory of S.Maria della Quercia.

A little further on is a lovely wooded area and I found another renovator’s delight……there is a never ending supply of them in these parts.

Can you see yourself getting to work on this one?

Vetteglia

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Debra Kolkka

Vetteglia is a tiny hamlet in the San Cassiano area of Bagni di Lucca. 37 people live here. I think they were all having an afternoon nap the day I visited the village. I enjoyed a lovely walk in the afternoon sun.

The village is dominated the imposing Pratofiorito, where you can still see the Ravi del Pratofiorito (landslides) which destroyed the hamlets of Celle and Cerro.

There are great views across to neighbouring San Cassiano.

And to the villages on the other side of the valley.

The village is a jumble of well kept houses, pretty gardens and small fruit and vegetable plots.

The last of the peaches and pears for the season.

I almost missed this grey cat in his grey corner.

There are a few renovator’s delights to be seen.

Some perfectly stacked wood piles waiting for winter.

A perfect garden shed.

A pretty little church.

And it is only 40 minutes walk to San Gemignano.

Another day…. For me it was back to the top of the village for a last look across the tiny piazza at the top and back to my car.

Montefegatesi revisited

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Debra Kolkka

I had only been to Montefegatesi in winter, so I thought I should take a look in warmer weather. Last time I was in the village I took the high road to the top. This time I went the other way, winding down towards the bottom.

Come for a walk through the tiny streets of Montefegatesi in lovely spring.

This white furry bundle is not a cat.

It is a cute little rabbit roaming free on a terrace.

I’ll be back soon to Bagni di Lucca for late summer and autumn…..can’t wait.

Click here to see the previous post on Montefegatesi to see the high road and the statue of Dante Alighieri watching over the village.

A chance encounter with Mezzo and Joseph from Limano

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Debra Kolkka

One of the delights about going to the sleepy mountain villages is meeting the locals. We had not long been in Limano when we met Mezzo who took us to meet his mate Joseph. I wanted to take a photo of Mezzo but he wandered off. Joseph suggested I say the word ‘cibo’ but Mezzo wasn’t silly, he knew we didn’t have any cat food with us, so we were ignored.

Joseph kindly offered to pick Mezzo up so I could get a photo.

Joseph has lived for many years in Limano and Mezzo has lived there for all of his 12 years. Joseph has retired now and has much more time to devote to Mezzo, which is as it should be.

Before Mezzo’s time Limano was a stronghold built and fortified to defend the Lima valley from attacks from its enemies, especially Florence. The town was captured by the Florentines in 1428 but taken back by Lucca in 1442.

The centre of the town is Piazza Gave and 5 roads radiate out from there. There is a stone fountain dating from the 16th century.

I was very pleased I had parked outside the town. I don’t know how you would navigate these streets.

We set off towards the church and found this pretty statue in a tiny shrine.

It must be windy up in Limano, there are large rocks holding down roof tiles.

The campanile looks ancient but it actually dates from 1879. The old one was demolished to make way for a bigger aisle in the church.

The narrow streets wind all over the town through tunnels and arches.

I was fascinated by this very long ladder, probably used for elopements.

There are lots of wonderful old buildings to see.

The church dominates the skyline.

There is another church on the other side of the town as well.

There are good views back over the town from here.

And across to neighbouring Vico Pancellorum.

There are some lovely paths around the edge of the town that need further investigation.

Spring is on the way.

There were a few houses being renovated in Limano, which is good. It’s great to see new life coming to the villages. Doing building work in these places is not easy. It is not possible to get trucks in and out. We saw a workman busy moving things around.

It is a little tractor that is able to be pushed around the steep streets. These people are very inventive.

If you happen to be in Limano on 1st August you can take part in the traditional costume ball that takes place in the piazza.

We didn’t see that, but we did see another cat.

Bella Bagni di Lucca

A beautiful village in Tuscany

Tag Archives: mountain villages in Italy