There is a delightful new art installation in the river directly below my apartment in Ponte a Serraglio. If only I was there to see it.
The best way to see it is to go to the site of the clever people who did it.
River lights
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Tag Archives: travel
Hands on art at Ponte a Serraglio
In collaboration with Home of Artisans and British artist Carol Newmarch, there was a demonstration of pottery making in Ponte Serraglio as part of the Art Festival. The street was closed and the crowds gathered for a fun and informative display.
The Art Festival is going from strength to strength and it is great to see lots of interest from locals and visitors alike.
Thank you Belinda from Home of Artisans for sharing the photos with us.
I hope you will all drop into Belinda’s gallery to see all of the lovely things created by artists from all over the world.
The Bagni di Lucca Art Festival
The second Bagni di Lucca Art Festival is well underway in Ponte a Serraglio and La Villa. I would love to be there to see it, but I am in Australia for a while. Luckily for us Francis is there to report on the fun.
Go to From London to Longoio to see the latest from the festival.
Crasciana
Crasciana is 799 metres above sea level and is about 12 kilometres from La Villa. The winding road to the village takes you through lovely forests. The chestnut forests close to Crasciana are particularly beautiful.
The name Crasciana comes from the Roman colonist Carsius. The town has a long history, beginning around 800 AD. At one time it had a large population and was important strategically in the years of fighting in the area.
It is delightfully sleepy now, a peaceful and beautiful place to visit. We drove up in late spring and the road was lined with wildflowers.
There are some fine old houses and decorations, narrow streets, and a collection of green doors.
A lovely little piazza in the centre of town makes a great place to gather for a chat.
The gardens are well cared for…there are flowers and vegetables growing all over the village.
As with all of the mountain villages, the views are spectacular, even on a hazy day.
We really enjoyed our walk through Crasciana and spoke to a few of the lucky locals who call it home. One resident pointed out that there is a Crasciana Alta…a good reason for another visit.
To reach Crasciana, take the turn off from the SS12 towards Casabasciana and follow the signs to Crasciana.
Then and now…the casino
The first public casino in Europe was built in Ponte a Serraglio in 1837. Here is an old postcard of the casino.
The building looks much the same now, but the hotel next door is now a private house.
It is no longer an operating casino and is only open for special events. If you get the chance, go inside to see the beautifully renovated interior.
Colori e Sapori
The annual art competition will take place this Sunday 13th July in the grounds of the Villa Fiori at Ponte a Serraglio.
The day will begin at 8.00am. Lunch will be at 12.30 with delicious produce from the area. There will be games and painting for children and the competition will be judged at 6.00pm.
It is always a great day. Here are some photos from past years.
Don’t miss Colori e Saperi..head off to Villa Fiori to watch the artists at work and have some summer fun in Ponte a Serraglio.
Flying the flag for Australia in Bagni di Lucca
The Motogiro Italia (vintage motorbike race) came through Bagni di Lucca on Friday. The original Motogiro began in 1914, with 56 riders, only 18 of whom finished the race. It has changed many times over the years and there have been lots of years when the race didn’t go ahead for several reasons.
It is now distance rally, with time trials over several days and competitors are escorted by Polizia over the 1,000 miles (1,637 kilometres)
There were several Australians in the race, including a couple of regular visitors to Ponte a Serraglio, so lots of Australian flags were raised in their honour.
It was great fun to see the old bikes come through Ponte a Serraglio.
…and even more fun to see our friends arrive…and depart.
The race ended a bit later in the day at Montecatini Terme. I’m sure the riders would have been very happy to get off their bikes for the last time.
La Torre
La Torre features in the background of many of my photos of Bagni di Lucca. It looks wonderful perched on a hill overlooking Ponte a Serraglio.
La Torre is an agriturismo. It has rooms and apartments where you can stay and a lovely restaurant for everyone.
We had a great time on a warm summer evening at one of the outdoor tables. There is also a cosy place for cold winter nights.
The food was excellent and the service is very friendly.
La Torre is above Fornoli.
Email…info@latorreagriturismo.com
Telephone…0583 805297
Meet one of the delightful owners.
Hit the target at Villa Ada
Sunday morning saw a colourful collection of archers in the lovely grounds of Villa Ada in La Villa. The annual crossbow competition took place under the trees. The possibility of showers kept a few people away, but the competitors carried on regardless.
Once the first round of competition was finished the cannon sounded and everyone was off to lunch.
Later in the afternoon the fun began again in the grounds of Villa Web.
It is worth taking a walk around the area even when it is not full of wonderfully dressed characters.
From Via Evangelina Whipple go through the gates leading to the swimming pool. The road is shaded by beautiful old trees.
There are some stone steps beside the road that need exploring…next time.
Art at Ponte a Serraglio
Summer is almost with us and soon the Bagni di Lucca Art Festival will begin. Saturday evening saw an exhibition at La Rondine Gallery…just a taste of things to come.
It’s great to see people come out and join in the fun.
Take a look at Bagni di Lucca Art Festival for the programme.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 