Then and now…Bagno alla Villa

Posted on January 1, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

There is a small piazza above La Villa, the commercial centre of Bagni di Lucca. Bagno alla Villa has one of the many spas that used to be a popular place to “take the waters”.

The spa is still there but is not operating.

The building has been restored and there is even a pool in the nearby property, Villa Ada.

Work has been done to restore several of the baths in Bagni di Lucca. Soon they will fall into disrepair again. It is a puzzle to me why the administration is not doing more to encourage someone to operate the spas and help bring people and employment to the area.

…any takers?

Autumn in San Cassiano

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

San Cassiano is a beautiful village at any time, but in autumn it is especially lovely. Photographer and resident Paul Anthony Davies has been out and about with his camera…with excellent results.

The cross below was blown down from the church in the high winds in March and is now making a statement on the ground.

The weather has been unseasonably warm in November, causing confusion with some of the bulbs, which have appeared at the wrong time.

Thank you Paul, for taking us on an autumn tour of San Cassiano.

Riolo revisited

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

Late spring seemed like the perfect time for another visit to Riolo.

There is a car park at the bottom of the village and it is a pleasant walk up to the pretty piazza in the centre of town.

There is a fountain where you can get a cool drink of water.

There is a fine collection of interesting doorways and colourful gardens.

Fruit, vegetables and flowers thrive in the hot weather.

There are always great views from the mountain villages.

I met a couple of four legged residents.

On my way out I saw the preparations for next winter…which seems a long way off.

Ghostly Granaiola

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

Spring will soon be here and that will be great…but I do like the winter landscapes, especially the lovely mists that swirl in and around the mountains.

I don’t have to go far to see the misty views. From my balcony, or from the bridge below, Granaiola puts on a fine show on winter mornings.