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.

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.