Campiglia Alta is another area of Bagni di Lucca I was unaware of until recently. The turnoff is on the road from La Villa to San Cassiano.
It is really just a collection of houses in a gorgeous setting.
A peaceful tree lined road takes you up the mountain.
I was there in late spring. Everything was bright green.
The views are fabulous and the silence is wonderful.
…a special place to live.
I wish I was in Bagni di Lucca right now to see the excellent umbrella installation in the main street of La Villa.
I have gathered some great photos taken by those who are there to share the colourful display. Thank you Liz and Alan, Sheila and Marco Pistolozzi. (If I missed anyone, please let me know)
Top marks to those who organised the event.
The mayor was on hand to initiate the celebrations.
The lucky children of San Cassiano and nearby had a great day at the Campo Sportivo. Lucky for us photographer Paul Davies was on hand to take photos.
Congratulations to the organisers…it was a fun day for all concerned.
One day I would like to go to the Fish and Chip festival in Barga.
…have some fish and chips for me.
There is another exhibition coming up in La Villa, and an event for children in San Cassiano.
There is always something interesting happening in the area.
Paul Davies from San Cassiano has been out and about taking photos of the gorgeous wild flowers beside the roads on the way to his pretty village. With all the rain we had this spring they are putting on a great show.
Thank you Paul for letting us see your lovely neighbourhood.
Every season has something wonderful to offer in the villages of Bagni di Lucca.
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.
If you visit Bagni di Lucca take the time to visit some of the mountain villages.
Here are some things to do soon in Bagni di Lucca.
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.
These gorgeous birds were spotted by a friend in their vineyard recently…not these 2, the photo is courtesy of Google, but a pair just like them.
Have you seen some interesting birds in Bagni di Lucca or nearby? If so, send me photos and I will put them on the blog. It would be fun to see which birds we have here.
I have heard woodpeckers, but I don’t see them. We have swallows and swifts on the river, but they are a bit difficult to capture on film.
Send any photos to debrakolkka@gmail.com.
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.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 