Bagni di Lucca is on the edge of the Garfagnana. The area lies between the Apennine and Apuan Alps in the upper valley of the Serchio river. It is almost entirely mountainous and heavily wooded.
It is also dotted with pretty villages, which will take years to discover. I recently visited Pieve Fosciana. It is tiny, with a cluster of houses around the church of St John Battista, one of the most ancient in Garfagnana.
Come for a little walk through Pieve Fosciana…
There are lots of narrow cobble stone laneways and pretty gardens, the usual interesting doorways and building decorations.
I was impressed with this house in particular. The residents have gone to some trouble with the facade.
The main reason for my visit to Pieve Fosciana was to try restaurant Il Pozzo. I have heard it is one of the best in Garfagnana.
They have an indoor dining area and a very big terrace. I was the first there for lunch, but it soon filled up, mostly with local workers. You know a restaurant is good when the locals arrive in number.
The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients served in a traditional way, with a slightly modern twist.
I ordered the pasta with lobster.
Followed by guinea fowl with truffles…they were both excellent.
The service was very friendly and I could see that most of the other patrons were regulars. They also do a workmans’ lunch for a set price…I will try that next time.
If you can drag yourself away from the very good restaurants in Bagni di Lucca, try Il Pozzo, I’m sure you will like it.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 