Pieve di Controne

Posted on June 29, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Pieve di Controne is one of my favourite villages in Bagni di Lucca. It is a little different from some of the others as it has quite a bit of flat land, rather than being perched on the side of a mountain.

There are some lovely cultivated areas.

It has an amazing church with 2 facades.

Pieve di Controne is a collection of mostly stone houses…

…with pretty gardens and fruit trees.

I am always attracted to old doors, especially green doors, and Pieve di Controne has a fine selection.

There is usually a sleepy cat or 2 in the villages.

The views from Pieve di Controne are excellent.

If you visit Bagni di Lucca take the time to visit some of the mountain villages.

Sala

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Between rain showers I went to see Sala, a Localita of Bagni di Lucca. To get there, follow the sign to Casabasciana from the SS Brennero. Before you get to Casabasciana there is a sign on the right pointing to Sala.

The road into Sala is lovely.

Someone has been busy chopping wood.

…arriving in Sala.

There is a serious bocce pitch…is that the correct word? It is at the entrance to the town.

Only a handful of people live in Sala, but those who do, look after their little piece of heaven. The houses are all cared for and the gardens are beautiful…come for a walk through the hamlet.

There are a couple of archways leading into the group of houses.

I found a path with a huge cherry tree, laden with almost ripe fruit.

I also found walnut trees, grapes and kiwi vines.

Going through another arch there was a happy tortoise enjoying a bath.

It reminded me a bit of Yoda.

The gardens are thriving under the obvious care of their owners. There are flowers everywhere.

There are views up to Casabasciana.

…and across to Brandeglio.

Sala is another delightful part of Bagni di Lucca. I can see why people would love to live here.

Rain, rain go away

Posted on May 19, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

May has been a very wet month in Bagni di Lucca…and it is enough now. We long for some sunny days.

Having said that, I think these wet misty days are beautiful. See what you think.

…and from above.

The rain was so heavy for a while Ponte a Serraglio and Bagni Caldi almost disappeared.

Bagni di Lucca manages to look gorgeous whatever the weather…but some sun now please.

Messing about in boats

Posted on March 25, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

The Lima River is a perfect spot for rafting. The Aguarja Rafting Company is based at the Tennis Club in Bagni di Lucca.

They offer rafting and canyoning rides and calm river trails for the more sedate amongst us.

My friend Farah shared these photos of a recent outing.

It looks like great fun. To find out more, go to their website…www.aguaraja.com

The pansies are planted

Posted on February 28, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Between rain showers I planted the pansies on the bridge at Ponte a Serraglio.

It is raining heavily today…I hope the poor little things don’t drown.

I chose the smaller flowers this year as they put on a great show last year. Here is a reminder of what they will look like soon if the weather cooperates.

The diver

Posted on February 12, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Some undergrowth has been removed from what is left of the garden around Villa Fiori in Ponte a Serraglio. A sculpture of a diving girl has been uncovered.

She is one of a group of sculptures that stood around a shallow pool, now empty and abandoned. The others have disappeared and she has lost an arm.

The neglect of this building is a crying shame…but you could do something about this. Villa Fiori is for sale. For less than €1 million it could be yours.

Spread the word, tell everyone you know. There must be someone out there with vision (and money). Bagni di Lucca is a wonderful collection of villages, famous for its spas. The area is gorgeous, with mountains, a beautiful river and the first casino in Europe, as well as the spas that need a little love and attention. While other towns and villages in Italy struggle to find a focus for regrowth, Bagni di Lucca is a treasure trove.

It just needs someone with ideas and money to bring life to some of the magnificent old buildings. We love Bagni di Lucca just the way it is, and we don’t want it to change too much, but it would be great to see more opportunities for young locals, who shouldn’t have to leave their beloved home town to find work.

Osteria I Macelli

Posted on February 7, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

The translation of I Macelli is The Slaughterhouses. I am guessing that the site of this excellent restaurant was once an abattoir. The bright yellow building sits beside a little stream behind the main commercial area of Borgo a Mozzano, the village near the Ponte della Maddalena.

The restaurant is one of our favourite places to dine, with good reason. The food is very good, the setting pleasant and the service is friendly and efficient.

To get there, drive down the one way street in the centre of Borgo a Mozzano and turn left at the sign for the restaurant.

I look forward to many delicious meals at I Macelli when I return to Bagni di Lucca very soon.

Then and now…the church at Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on February 2, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

The church at Ponte a Serraglio was built in 1544. It has been remodelled a few times.

Here it is in 1910.

…and 1922.

…and after the last restoration.

Here it is now.

The interior is quite pretty.

The church is very well kept by a group of volunteers and is often adorned with flowers…poke your head in if you are nearby. It is a short walk from the bridge on the opposite side of the river from the piazza.

Parking tip

Posted on January 19, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

It can be a bit difficult for new visitors to Italy to understand the parking signs.

In many places in Bagni di Lucca (and other places) you will see this sign.

It means you can park for free, but only for 2 hours, between the hours of 8.00am to 8.00pm. Outside these hours parking for longer periods is OK.

The little dial on the bottom left of the sign indicates that you need to set your timer.

In your car you should have a timer. Set this at the time you park your car and remember to come back before the time expires.

Your hire car should have one. If not, I have found them for a couple of euros at Tabacchi and some newsagents.

If you forget to set your timer that is no excuse. If the police come you will be issued with a fine.

Castiglione di Garfagnana

Posted on January 13, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

After I left Pieve Fosciana I drove a little further on to Castiglione di Garfagnana which sits at 545 metres above the Esarulo River, a tributary of the Serchio River.

The town dates back to a Roman Castra, called Castrum Leonis (Lion’s Castle), built to oversee the valley that leads to the San Pelligrino Pass. The castle was built between1170 and 1227. It became Lucca’s most important garrison in the Serchio valley. In 1390 the “Rocca” or castle was extended and towers were built.

Some of the Rocca remains and you can walk through the narrow streets of the town to the top.

There is a road around the edge of the town outside the wall, offering excellent views of the castle and the surrounding countryside.

I entered the town through the Porta del Ponte Levatoio. It was mid afternoon and the town was deserted, leaving me to wander alone.

I went up into the old castle for some gorgeous views over the town.

Coming down from the top I came across the Church of San Pietro which was built in 723 by 2 Lombard brothers, but was rebuilt in the 12th century by Bishop Guido of Lucca.

I walked on through the pretty streets as it began to rain.

I will return when the town is a bit busier, I am sure there is more to discover.

Bella Bagni di Lucca

A beautiful village in Tuscany

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