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.

Something for children

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

There is a special Carnevale event for children on 18th February at the casino in Ponte a Serraglio.

It is great to see the wonderful building being put to good use.

Demidoff Chapel

Posted on January 23, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Russian prince Nicolai Demidoff donated a hospital to Bagni di Lucca to enable the people of the town to benefit from the thermal waters. It was built in 1825.

He also commissioned the tiny chapel across the stream from the hospital. The Demidoff chapel was designed by Giacomo Marrucci and was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.

There was originally a wooden bridge across to the chapel, but it was destroyed by a flood in 1836. The current stone bridge was built soon after by the son of the prince and designed by Giuseppe Pardini.

The little chapel looks stunning in any season, but particularly when covered with snow.

Here is an early photo of the chapel, before the surrounding trees had grown.

The hospital is now Villagio Globale, a popular place for those wishing to enjoy the thermal waters. You will find Villagio Globale and the chapel in Ponte a Serraglio, on the road towards Granaiola.

A new Bar Italia

Posted on January 8, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Bar Italia has been the heart of Ponte a Serraglio for decades. It was the first place I went to when I arrived in the village almost 15 years ago. I go there, or to Il Monaco, both belonging to hardworking Annalisa, every day when I am in my apartment. Annalisa is ably helped by her sister Suzanna and her team.

Bar Italia has closed for a little while for renovations. Luckily, Il Monaco will take over until the new bar is ready. I don’t know where I would be without my morning coffee and sfoglia.

There was a send off on the last night of the old bar and friends gathered for the party. I was not there, but others have taken photos to share. Thank you Paola, Paul and Collette.

The plans for the new bar were discussed.

Here is a sneak peek at the new chairs.

Several people chipped in to begin the demolishing of the old bar.

Last to go was the coffee machine.

I hope the lovely lady stays.

I wish Annalisa the very best and look forward to the brand new bar. I will be there for the grand opening. I’m sure there will be another party and everyone will be invited.

Wild weather

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

There has been some wild weather in Bagni di Lucca. There was snow for a few hours before rain came to wash it all away.

The river that was extraordinarily low this summer is now roaring past.

I wish I was around to see the snow and rain. I love to stand at my window to watch it all happen.

Thank you Paul for taking photos of my front yard.

Market at Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on October 8, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

Today is market day at Ponte a Serraglio. This market comes every year on 8th October.

You can buy food, clothes, accessories and lots of other things.

Come soon, it looks like rain.

A home for gnomes

Posted on September 28, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

The park at Villa Fiori in Ponte a Serraglio has apparently turned into a home for gnomes. There are signs everywhere.

Poor unloved Villa Fiori is keeping watch.

So far I haven’t seen any gnomes, but if I do I will let you know.

Passerella

Posted on August 24, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

The passerella, walking bridge, was built in Ponte a Serraglio in 2009. It was controversial at the time. Many residents thought it was a waste of money and there were more important things to spend money on.

That may be so, but I love the passerella. We park our car in the car park beside Villa Fiori and take what we call the scenic route across the walking bridge and along the river to our apartment. It is much more pleasant than walking along the narrow street on the other side.

As well as offering a pretty walk across the river it is a great spot to take photos of the river and Ponte a Serraglio.

The winners are

Posted on July 11, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

Sunday was hot at Ponte a Serraglio, but it didn’t stop lots of artists to gather to take part in the art competition in the Villa Fiori park.

I wasn’t there, but my friends Moe and Liz took some photos to share. There are also some by local photographers Valerio Ceccarelli and Domenico Bertuccelli.

Artists found a cool spot where they could.

My friend Moe had a great vantage point on my balcony.

The standard was excellent.

There was music and dancing.

These were the first 3 prizes awarded…I think 3rd and 4th and 5th.

This is the second prize.

This is the winner.

Congratulations to everyone involved for a successful day at Ponte a Serraglio.

Clean up at Villa Fiori

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

A team of people has cleaned the shallow pool and the overgrown area beside Villa Fiori.

The lovely diver will now be visible again. Perhaps she will be the subject for some of the artists who will gather for the art competition on the weekend.

Thank you to the group of people involved.

Bella Bagni di Lucca

A beautiful village in Tuscany

Tag Archives: Ponte a Serraglio