Crasciana

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Crasciana is 799 metres above sea level and is about 12 kilometres from La Villa. The winding road to the village takes you through lovely forests. The chestnut forests close to Crasciana are particularly beautiful.

The name Crasciana comes from the Roman colonist Carsius. The town has a long history, beginning around 800 AD. At one time it had a large population and was important strategically in the years of fighting in the area.

It is delightfully sleepy now, a peaceful and beautiful place to visit. We drove up in late spring and the road was lined with wildflowers.

There are some fine old houses and decorations, narrow streets, and a collection of green doors.

A lovely little piazza in the centre of town makes a great place to gather for a chat.

The gardens are well cared for…there are flowers and vegetables growing all over the village.

As with all of the mountain villages, the views are spectacular, even on a hazy day.

We really enjoyed our walk through Crasciana and spoke to a few of the lucky locals who call it home. One resident pointed out that there is a Crasciana Alta…a good reason for another visit.

To reach Crasciana, take the turn off from the SS12 towards Casabasciana and follow the signs to Crasciana.

Mobbiano

Posted on May 2, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

A short distance from Longoio is the tiny hamlet of Mobbiano. Just before the car park in Longoio is a road on the right heading up the hill. There is nowhere to park in Mobbiano unless you live there, so it is best to leave your car at the bottom of the hill and walk up.
I walked down from above Longoio past the little church that sits between the 2 villages.

The church wasn’t open, but I could peer inside.

This date is on the side of the building, along with a very cute angel.

A little further along the track Mobbiano comes into view.

Mobbiano is now a collection of houses. I don’t know whether there were ever shops or businesses here. Perhaps someone out there knows.

There are some lovely houses and it must be a peaceful place to live. All you can hear is birds. The gardens are lovely and the views are gorgeous. There are some seriously steep steps and tiny lanes between the levels of the village.

One of the houses, now derelict, must have belonged to the church. There is a cross on the old door. It needs a bit of work.

Take a walk through Mobbiano if you are in the area, especially now that spring is here.

Gombereto

Posted on April 12, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

I walked to Gombereto down the path from San Gemignano. In just a few minutes the village comes into view.

The fruit trees look wonderful in blossom.

The path is lined with wild flowers and bees the size of my thumb were having a great time. They won’t sit still for a photo unfortunately.

The first building I came to on the path is the tiny church.

I went on further to the Piazza dei Caduti.

From there several tiny lanes lead off to different parts of the village.

Old tree trunks and barrels have been put to good use as planters.

Grape vines are sprouting.

There was a pigeon party happening on a rooftop.

…and a lone cat out for a walk.

There are some wonderful old doors in my favourite colour.

Here is the view of Gombereto from Longoio…another place to visit soon.

San Gemignano di Controne

Posted on April 8, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Bagni di Lucca’s San Gemignano is not to be confused with the town with many towers, San Gimignano. Our sleepy hamlet is part of La Controneria, the largest and most populated area of Bagni di Lucca. La Controneria includes Guzzano, Gombereto, Mobbiano, Longoio, San Gemignano, Pieve di Controne, Vetteglia and San Cassiano.

San Gemignano is 532 metres above sea level and 7.5 kilometres along a narrow, winding road from La Villa. I visited on an overcast spring day…come for a walk through the village.

The views are lovely, even on a dull day.

There is a small shop at the top of the town and a narrow lane heads down hill from there. Old stone houses line the street.

There is a track to Vetteglia.

…and a track down the other way to Gombereto.

A bit further along the main street is the church dedicated to S Gemignano Vescovo who is said to have saved the Emperor of Constantinople’s daughter from the devil.

The bell tower dates from the late 1800s. The church dates from 1581, but was rebuilt last century after an earthquake. It wasn’t open the day I was there…another visit is required.

Spring is showing its pretty face in the gardens and along the sides of the roads and tracks. There are wildflowers everywhere and some fruit trees are in blossom.

I passed a peony plant covered with flowers the size of cabbages.

Watch out for Gessy…although he doesn’t look all that fierce to me.

At the end of the town is a chestnut forrest leading to Pieve di Controne…another day.

Early spring in Montefegatesi

Posted on March 21, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

It is officially spring, but the warm weather lately has meant that signs of spring appeared early this year. It was a beautiful day yesterday…perfect for a visit to Montefegatesi, one of my favourite villages. At 842 metres above sea level, it is the highest of Bagni di Lucca’s villages.

A walk to the Dante monument at the top of the villages is always fun, and the views from the top are spectacular. Spring flowers are popping up all over town.

Montefegatesi cats were out enjoying the sunny day.

Vittorio Emanuele keeps an eye on things.

I love the old faces and designs carved into the facades.

Dante cuts a fine figure in his lofty position.

This is what he sees, you would think he might look a bit happier.

…another lovely walk through Montefegatesi, and some more photos.

I want to go back when this enormous fig tree has fruit.

Livizzano

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

Livizzano is a quiet hamlet below San Cassiano. I took advantage of a rare sunny day to walk through the tiny village.

Of course the views from the village are gorgeous.

The church in San Cassiano looks over the village.

There are some pretty houses in Livizzano.

I found a few renovators’ delights for you.

There are some lovely old paths to be followed when the ground dries out after all the rain we have had.

I love the old tiled roofs.

House and garden decorations are many and varied.

The village cats were enjoying the sun.

Spring is just around the corner. In a couple of weeks these trees will be bright green with new leaves.

Benabbio

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

The road to Benabbio is one of the better mountain roads in the area. It is about 5 kilometres from La Villa to Benabbio, which sits about 480 metres above sea level. It is home to around 350 people.

I visited the town after a recent snow fall and found it looking very beautiful on a gorgeous winter day. Come for a walk around the village with me.

You can always find a cat in a warm sunny place.

Snow adds a gorgoeus touch to any view.

While I was in Benabbio I had lunch at the excellent Il Cavallino Bianco. I have eaten here a few times, click here to see the post I wrote about my lunch on a previous visit.

I still have to try the other restaurant in Benabbio…Acquolina in Bocca…next time.

Granaiola

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

Lucky Granaiola sits in warm sunshine most of the time. It is 416 metres above sea level on top of a ridge. The 125 inhabitants get magnificent views of the valley below and the mountains around them.

This is my view of Granaiola from Ponte a Serraglio.

This is their view of Ponte a Serraglio.

The pretty village houses cling to the side of the hill. Come for a walk along the narrow streets.

Granaiola has a birds’ eye view of Colle.

…and across to Lugliano.

…and to Monti di Villa.

These photos were taken last year…time for another visit to Granaiola.

LOCAL INFORMATION

There is to be an exhibition at the Casino at Ponte a Serraglio… An Homage to Women….with 24 artists, including painters, sculptors and photographers.

The opening ceremony will be at 6.00pm Friday 8th March, followed by a harp recital by Anna-Livia and a buffet (€5 donation)

The exhibition will run from 8th – 15th March.
Saturday and Sunday….4.00 – 8.00pm
Monday – Friday….5.00 – 8.00pm

Riolo

Posted on December 9, 2012 by Debra Kolkka

The road to Riolo is one of my least favourite in Bagni di Lucca. It is extremely narrow and winding, with little room to pass if you happen to come across another car. The entrance to the village is also narrow. I suggest parking in the area at the bottom of the village and walking up.

The sign at the entrance to the village suggests a low speed. I think this would be too fast.

The village is a pretty collection of houses, with some lovely decoration, and of course, there are wonderful views from the village. Like all of the villages of Bagni di Lucca Riolo has something different and special to offer visitors.

On the way back to the car I spotted a tiny mouse. The photo is a bit blurry, but the mouse was very small and in a hurry to get away from me.

I have heard that the road to Riolo was badly damaged in the recent heavy rains. I hope everything will be back to normal soon.

Casoli

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Debra Kolkka

To get to Casoli it is necessary to cross a tiny, narrow bridge. Turn right if driving from Bagni di Lucca, from the Brennero at the Casoli sign and take this cute bridge.