18th July 1944

There is a beautiful, if somewhat neglected, building in Ponte a Serraglio. It was at one time the Hotel de Russie. The building was designed by Giuseppe Pardini and built in 1838.  It is now apartments.

Hotel de Russia Ponte a Serraglio

On the side of the building is a plaque stating that 13 partisans were held in the building during WWII when the building became Nazi headquarters.

Plaque at Ponte a Serraglio

The men were shot on 18th July 1944. There is a memorial in the cemetery in Ponte a Serraglio.

Memorial for murdered soldiers

Memorial for murdered soldiers

Behind the memorial is a narrow path. At the back of the memorial is another one.

Memorial for murdered soldiers

Memorial for murdered soldiers

I found these names on small plaques on the wall.

Murdered soldier memorial

Murdered soldier memorial

Murdered soldier memorial

Murdered soldier memorial

Murdered soldier memorial

Murdered soldier memorial Murdered soldier memorial

Murdered soldier memorial

What a sad and lonely place it is, reflecting the misery and futility of war.

Lunch at Cappuccetto Rosso

Cappuccetto Rosso is quickly becoming one of my favourite restaurants in the area. The food is well presented and delicious and the service is very friendly and efficient.

Their recent lunch special was too good to resist.

Cappuccetto Rosso

Before the first course there was an arancino amuse bouche.

Cappuccetto Rosso

The plate of mussels was very good. Fortunately there was plenty of bread…the sauce was too delicious to leave behind.

Cappuccetto Rosso

 

Cappuccetto Rosso

Spaghetti vongole is one of my favourite Italian dishes. This one is a little different, it has tomato, but I liked it a lot.

Cappuccetto Rosso

Even though I was quite full I did manage to eat the third course of mixed, fried seafood.

Cappuccetto Rosso

There was no room for dessert…pity.

Cappuccetto Rosso is not far from Bagni di Lucca in Gioviano.

Pretty Ponte sky

I was up bright and early this morning…in time to see this lovely sky over Ponte a Serraglio.

Ponte a Serraglio

Ponte a Serraglio

Ponte a Serraglio

The resident heron was up early looking for breakfast.

Ponte heron

 

When I returned this evening the sky put on another good show.

Ponte a Serraglio

Ponte a Serraglio

…and the heron was looking for dinner.

Ponte heron

I hope he caught something .

Pinocchio returns

The Pinocchio festival returned to Bagni di Lucca on the weekend.

It was opened by the mayor and a band.Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

Thank you to Rosi for the photos above, I missed the start.

The band played and some young spectators were keen to try their dance steps.

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

There were stalls selling all kinds of things and the stall owners got into the spirit of things by dressing up.

It was fun to see some wool preparation, old equipment and some serious knitting and crochet.

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

…and some wood sawing.

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

There were stilt walkers and magicians to entertain the crowds.

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

…a slide for the children.

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

Best of all are the children playing old fashioned games with their parents watching close by.

This little girl looks very pretty with her painted face.

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

This is is one cool dude.

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

I like the mode of transport.

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

Even Pinocchio needs a rest.

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

This festival is excellent. I have been to a couple now and it is a fun weekend in La Villa…long may it continue.

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

Pinocchio festival Bagni di Lucca

Vendemmia…time to pick grapes

All over Italy grapes are ripening on the vines. My friends invited me to help pick their grapes to make wine. I happily agreed.

The setting of the vineyard is lovely and it was a gorgeous day.

Vendemmia

Vendemmia

The grapes are looking excellent…they taste good too.

Vendemmia

Vendemmia

Vendemmia

Time to pick grapes.

Vendemmia

Time for lunch…with some of last year’s wine.

Thank you for inviting me to be part of the day, it was fun and I look forward to sampling the wine when it is ready.

Vendemmia