WWII in Villa Fiori Park

Posted on May 26, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

I walked across the passerella in Ponte a Serraglio bright and early on Saturday morning to the Villa Fiori Park.

The park had been set up to resemble a military camp. Tents, supplies were already there and some vehicles, with more to come.

These are well kept vehicles.

The soldiers looked pretty good too.

I think being involved in a war would be wretched. I would like to think that occasionally in the misery, soldiers might have actually enjoyed a lovely spring day away from battle grounds in a green space like this. It is possible that they did, Bagni di Lucca was heavily involved in the fighting. There is still evidence of the Gothic Line, the most northerly of the defence lines built by the Germans, in the area.

This excellent display was organised by the Ass.ne Linea Gotica della Lucchesia.

Memories of WWII this weekend

Posted on May 25, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

This weekend there will be an event at Villa Fiori park in Ponte a Serraglio…memories of the war, by the Linea Gottica Association. A documentary about the Lucca area in WWII will be shown at the casino at 6.00pm on Saturday.

I don’t have a lot of information other than the poster, but it should be interesting.

Just what we need in Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on April 7, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The new fruit and vegetable shop opened in Ponte a Serraglio and drew a huge crowd of well wishers…and buyers.

The shop has exceeded expectations. The space is tiny and it is overflowing with great food. There is much more than just fruit and vegetables, which look amazing.

There is also a deli counter filled with delights. It was a bit crowded so I couldn’t photograph much.

There are shelves stocked with handy items for convenient shopping.

There were refreshments, of course, and a huge cake.

A young family is behind this new venture. When things settle a bit I will have a chat with them and find out a bit more…along with the opening hours.

An exciting addition to Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on April 3, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

A fruit and vegetable shop is about to open in Ponte a Serraglio, something we have needed for some time.

The shop will also sell bread and local products and will be beside Bar Italia.

The opening will be on 7th April. I’m sure everyone will support the new venture.

Welcome new Bar Italia

Posted on March 24, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Bar Italia in Ponte a Serraglio opened this evening. A large crowd of well wishers gathered early and the brand new bar was soon full.

Annalisa was there to welcome everyone.

Her helpers were all there too.

Of course there was lots of food.

…and lots of people.

I am delighted that Bar Italia is open again. The piazza has been very quiet without it. I look across the piazza to the bar from my apartment and it has been very sad to see it closed.

We will be back bright and early tomorrow morning for our first breakfast at Bar Italia.

Bar Italia reopens

Posted on March 20, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Bar Italia in Ponte a Serraglio has been closed for extensive renovations. I can happily report that it will reopen this Saturday, 24th March.

There will be opening celebrations from 5.00pm. I hope everyone will come along to wish Annalisa and her team the best for the new start.

This an old photo. There will lots more of the new bar after the opening.

Celebration of women ready to go

Posted on March 8, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The stunning casino building in Ponte a Serraglio will come alive tonight for the opening celebrations of Omaggio alla Donna.

Here is a sneak peak at some of the art on show.

List of artists showing

The celebrations get underway at 8.30pm and lead into 10 days of events.

Omaggio alla Donna 2018

Posted on March 4, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The Casino in Ponte a Serraglio will come alive again this March for the Omaggio alla Donna to coincide with International Women’s Day. For the 6th year there will be a wonderful series of events over 10 days, beginning with the opening celebration on 8th March at 8.30pm.

Of special interest to English speakers will be the talks given by Australian film maker Karen Buczynski-Lee on the New Media, the New Woman & the Advanced Political Courage, and Dr Jocelynne A. Scott from the UK who will speak about the Struggle for Personhood and the Rights of Woman. They will speak at 5.30pm on 15th March.

Entry to the exhibitions is free and open every day from 4.00pm – 7.00pm.

There is something for everyone here…don’t miss it!

A shop of treasures

Posted on February 25, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

There is an amazing treasure trove in Ponte a Serraglio. The well stocked shop has something for everyone. The pre loved items are very well priced, you will definitely find a bargain.

The shop is in Ponte a Serraglio, not far from Il Monaco on the road towards La Villa.

The end of the Tiglio tunnel?

Posted on February 9, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The drive into Ponte a Serraglio from Fornoli beneath the gorgeous Tiglio trees is a delight. It is a wonderful introduction to the villages of Bagni di Lucca.

In winter the bare branches form a dramatic arch against the winter sky.

In spring the new leaves appear as if by magic and a beautiful tunnel appears to filter the sunlight.

In autumn the leaves turn gold and fall to the ground. I love driving or walking through with the golden leaves falling around me.

Now it seems they might be cut down. The trees are old and some may be diseased. I really hope this doesn’t happen. This Tiglio tunnel is one of the loveliest things in Bagni di Lucca.

I hope a better solution can be found than removing all of the trees. Surely the best trees can be retained and some new ones planted? It just wouldn’t be the same without them.

Bella Bagni di Lucca

A beautiful village in Tuscany

Tag Archives: Ponte a Serraglio