If you are only staying a few days in one of the villages of Bagni di Lucca it is possible to manage with public transport, but if you want to do a bit of sightseeing in the area, and I highly recommend this, you might like to hire a car.
There is a small garage in Fornoli that has a couple of cars and a 9 seater for hire. Go to Carrozzeria Tognelli Umberto, in Via Papa Giovanni XXIII.
Telephone… 0583 86234
Email…tognellicar@live.it
Orrido di Botri is a rocky gorge with steep walls, dug by the cold waters of the Rio Pelago torrent in the Apennines. Some of the walls are as high as 200 metres and it is one of the few natural canyons in Italy. It is open to walkers in summer. You need to be accompanied by a guide and to wear protective clothing and a helmet as the walk is a bit dangerous in parts.
I haven’t been, but I have been to the restaurant at the entrance to the Orrido di Botri. We were there on a cool, slightly damp spring evening and the area is lovely. I can imagine that it would be even better on a hot summer day.
There are outdoor tables near the little rocky stream that runs beside the restaurant.
Because it was a cool evening we sat inside.
The food was delicious and very reasonably priced.
The restaurant is very close to the entrance to Orrido di Botri, which clearly needs a visit.
There are also picnic grounds nearby and if you are really lucky you might see the local goats coming down from their foraging areas in the mountains.
…or cheese being made in the little farmhouse beside the entrance.
Whenever you go I’m sure you will enjoy it. The restaurant has wood fired ovens for pizza…a good reason to return on a sunny day.
The only way into the area right now is via Montefegatesi as the road on the other side of the valley is being repaired, hopefully before summer.
Il Nido dell’Aquila, Localita Ponte a Gaio, 11
http://www.ilnidodell-aquila.com
Telephone…0583 800022
Email…info@ilnidodell-aquila.com
Spring is the perfect time to wander through the lovely villages that make up Bagni di Lucca. Pieve di Monte di Villa is 476 metres above sea level and it offers great views over the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take the road from Ponte a Serraglio, through Granaiola and on to Pieve di Monte di Villa.
Pieve di Monti di Villa has about 100 hundred residents who obviously take great pride in their village. The houses and gardens are beautifully kept, making a walk through the tiny, winding lanes a delight…come for a walk with me, starting at the bar at the top of the town.
The views from the top are spectacular.
The little streets meander through the village. Some of them are quite steep.
The church of San Giovanni Battista was built in the 12th century, rebuilt in 1446 and remodelled between 1760 and 1766.
If you come to Bagni di Lucca, take the time to wander through the mountain villages…each one has something different to offer.
It is no secret that Paolo is one of my favourite Bagni di Luccans. We were all saddened and worried when we learned of his recent accident.
I can happily report that he is back at work and on the mend. His back brace will stay on a bit longer, and he looks a bit battered and bruised, but he should make a full recovery.
Drop in to Catene Cafe in Fornoli and wish him well…and have a coffee or one of his delicious gelati.
Welcome back Paolo.
At sunset the other day we had a strange weather happening. A howling wind burst through the valley for about 10 minutes. It didn’t bring much rain, but the sky was amazing and it briefly turned the village a strange yellow colour.
This is the view from my balcony.
Here is the sky from the other side of the river.
Spring this year has been much better than last year when it seemed the rain would never stop. It is still cool in the mornings and evenings but the days are glorious…come on over.
Kevan and Maureen have created the most amazing farmhouse accommodation at La Balconata, their beautiful stone house in Granaiola. I saw the house before the renovation and what they have achieved is nothing short of miraculous.
From a crumbling stone building has emerged a delightfully rustic home in the best sense of the word. Furniture and cupboards have been lovingly created from old timber and found objects. Ancient tiles were retrieved, cleaned and laid by hand in great style. Curtains and soft furnishing have been created by Maureen and her beautiful sculptures are dotted throughout the rooms along with Kevan’s creative photography.
Here is the living room and reading rooms.
The bedrooms, 2 doubles and a twin.
The upstairs hallway.
The bathrooms…I love the colours and the little touches. Maureen made the bowls and soap dishes.
The kitchen. Kevan made all the cupboards and benches.
The museum wall in the kitchen.
Look at this amazing door that Kevan built.
The old floor tiles and the new ones Maureen made for the entrance.
Maureen’s sculptures…there are lots more in her own house, but that will be the subject of another post.
…and then there is the view and the garden.
…and the table set for lunch.
It would be difficult to find a more relaxing and peaceful way to spend time in our little part of Tuscany. Kevan and Maureen want their guests to feel at home and enjoy the beautiful space they have created.
Go to www.labalconata.com for more information.
Just in case you didn’t believe me when I told you Lucchio clings like a limpet to the side of a mountain, take a look at this view.
The photo was taken from the Popiglio side of Lucchio, on the road to Abetone. Lucchio looks great from any angle.
A short distance from Longoio is the tiny hamlet of Mobbiano. Just before the car park in Longoio is a road on the right heading up the hill. There is nowhere to park in Mobbiano unless you live there, so it is best to leave your car at the bottom of the hill and walk up.
I walked down from above Longoio past the little church that sits between the 2 villages.
The church wasn’t open, but I could peer inside.
This date is on the side of the building, along with a very cute angel.
A little further along the track Mobbiano comes into view.
Mobbiano is now a collection of houses. I don’t know whether there were ever shops or businesses here. Perhaps someone out there knows.
There are some lovely houses and it must be a peaceful place to live. All you can hear is birds. The gardens are lovely and the views are gorgeous. There are some seriously steep steps and tiny lanes between the levels of the village.
One of the houses, now derelict, must have belonged to the church. There is a cross on the old door. It needs a bit of work.
Take a walk through Mobbiano if you are in the area, especially now that spring is here.
Spring seemed like a perfect excuse to revisit Longoio. It is one of the tiny villages on the way to San Cassiano. Just after the Gombereto, on a bend in the road, you will see the sign for Longoio. Turn left and follow the narrow road to the car park. From there it is walking only.
The views from Longoio are wonderful. This is looking towards Guzzano.
The weather was a bit changeable, but the sky looked magnificent most of the time.
I went for a walk above and behind Longoio. Spring gardens are being prepared.
The path leds to the most amazing forest of old oak trees and dry stone walls. The ancient paths are lined with stones. I would love to know who built them. Clearly a lot of hard work was involved.
Mushrooms in various stages of growth were to be found. The one on the right looks as though it is wearing a black wig.
The view from the top of the hill is spectacular.
Monte di Villa, Pieve di Monte di Villa, Riolo and Granaiola are visible through the trees.
I wandered down to the delightful little chapel, Madonna della Serra.
It is very well maintained.
There is a curious little statue of Beethoven just inside the window. I wonder why.
On the left of the church is a track leading down to La Villa.
On the other side there are great views of Il Rondinaio with some snow still visible.
I walked back towards Longoio past an old fountain.
I came upon the wonderful sight of a shepherd with her goats. The beautiful animals looked as though they had just been washed and brushed and were out for a walk to show off their lovely coats.
On the other side of the path another rustic scene presented itself.
I passed some huge old stone wheels from a mill.
…and came to the old path to Longoio.
Right now is a perfect time to do this walk, wisteria is in bloom, fruit trees are in blossom, wildflowers are everywhere…what more could you want?
Every year, on a day in April, Borgo a Mozzano’s streets are filled with azaleas…a great time to visit this quaint nearby town. It wasn’t the best day with overcast skies and threatening rain, but I went anyway.
There were displays in the streets.
…lots of flowers for sale. Some of the rhododendrons will be living under the hazelnut trees at Casa Debbio.
Of course there was food for sale.
…and other things to buy.
The pool and surrounds in Borgo are looking great.
The pruned trees on the main street are springing to life.
On the way home I stopped on the Borgo side of the river for a different view of the Ponte della Maddelena. Even on an overcast day the bridge looks great.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 