HOtel Corona is on the SS 12 del Brennero at the entrance to Ponte a Serraglio. Here it is in 1900.
…and 1902.
…and today…the fence has gone.
The hotel is still operating and we would love to see the restaurant reopen.
Because of the heavy rain in the area the Ponte a Serraglio Chestnut Festival due to be held this Sunday,18th October, will be postponed until the following Sunday, 25th October.
Don’t forget the annual Chestnut Festival to be held in the Villa Fiori park on 18th October…let’s hope it is a fine sunny day and lots of people come.
I was up bright and early this morning…in time to see this lovely sky over Ponte a Serraglio.
The resident heron was up early looking for breakfast.
When I returned this evening the sky put on another good show.
…and the heron was looking for dinner.
I hope he caught something .
Ponte a Serraglio looks glorious in summer. I love every season, but when everything is green and lush Ponte is wonderful.
There are often fishermen on the river, I hope they catch something.
By the end of the hottest season the water level in the river drops unless there is summer rain.
This year has been very hot and dry, so it will no longer be as green as when I took these photos, but still beautiful.
The Bagni di Lucca Art Festival was launched on Saturday night. Our trusty Sheila was there to report on the evening.
Lots of people were out and about…it is great to see the road closed and full of art lovers.
Here is a roundup of some of the work on show.
The river installation is great…again. This is always a popular addition to the festival.
Thank you Sheila for showing us around the festival…it continues until 10th August.
For more on the festival go to http://www.artfestivalbagnidilucca.org
On Sunday the eighth annual Art Competition organised by Borgo degli Artisti was held in the park beside Villa Fiori. The day was hot, so most artists set up their easels in the shade of the old trees. 
There was a space set up for the children, and Belinda, to paint a dove or create their own art. 
Lunch is always an important part of the day…always. 
The artists had to work quickly. Their work had to be completed in time for the judging. 
The winners were… Student…Serenella Randazza 1st…Emilio Cavani 2nd…Silvio Bondarda 3rd…Massimo Ricco 4th…Graziana Masetti. A big thank you to Sheila, who took all these great photos for us. 
…and thank you to Borgo degli Artisti for organising the event. They do a wonderful job on the Art Competition every year.
Click here to see the post by Francis with all the paintings and the winners’ works of art.
It is almost time for the annual art competition in the park at Villa Fiori.
It is bound to be a great day on 12th July. The day kicks off at 8.00 for the participating artists and lunch will be at 12.30pm. Even if you are not an artist it is interesting to watch the artists at work.
As well, the main street in La Villa will be closed to traffic on the evening of Friday, 10th July. Ristorante del Sonno will have tables in the street for a fun evening.
There will only be a few pedestrian only evenings this summer, so make the most of it.
We are now heading back home to Brisbane for a few months to enjoy our lovely winter.
It it is always difficult to leave Bagni di Lucca, especially now when it is looking so beautiful.
The Tiglio trees have their blossoms and walking under one is a delight, the smell is heavenly. Don’t park you car under one however, they leave a sticky mess.
Our petunias are looking great.
Tina’s roses are flourishing.
My window boxes are doing well.
Big white magnolias are everywhere.
The geraniums on the bridge are growing slowly.
There are early morning fishermen in the river.
I have a couple of helpers this year to keep me up to date on happenings in Bagni di Lucca and I have lots of photos to share with you while I am away.
If any of you are passing the flowers on the bridge or the hanging pots, stick your finger in the dirt and if it is dry grab a water bottle, fill it up (there is a tap beside Bar Italia, or the tap at Cova, near the walking bridge) and water the plants…they will love you for it.
On Saturday evening La Rondine in Ponte a Serraglio introduced a new exhibition in the gallery. Photographer Richard Smukler is now showing his work.
Our illustrious mayor opened the proceedings and introduced the artist.
Lots of people attended to admire the work.
There was music.
Francis recited a poem.
Midway during the evening we enjoyed a procession along the street.
…and back again.
It was a great evening, the first of many for the summer season. There is always something happening at Ponte a Serraglio.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
