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.
Don’t miss Carnevale in Fornoli on 14th February.
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There are a few excellent events coming up in and around Bagni di Lucca.
I hope they will all be well attended.
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.
Trattoria Borghesi was an institution in Bagni di Lucca for many years and everyone was disappointed when it closed a couple of years ago.
So when it reopened earlier this year there was much excitement. I missed the opening but recently went for lunch. Like many places in the area, a workman’s lunch for a set price is offered. For €11 you get first course, second course, side dish, water, wine and coffee.
We chose the chicken, torta salata, vegetables and pasta.
On another occasion there was soup, past with peas, ham and tomato, roast beef and eggplant…all delicious.
The food was very good and the service excellent.
The bar and restaurant have been renovated and look very clean and modern.
I’m sure Trattoria Borghesi is once again going to be very popular.
Trattoria Borghesi…85 Via Umberto I, La Villa.
Lucky Catherine Keens has a house in Lucchio. She was there recently and took these gorgeous photos of the village.
Autumn is a beautiful time to be in Lucchio. Thank you Catherine for sharing it with us.
HOtel Corona is on the SS 12 del Brennero at the entrance to Ponte a Serraglio. Here it is in 1900.
…and 1902.
…and today…the fence has gone.
The hotel is still operating and we would love to see the restaurant reopen.
Autumn is a beautiful season in Bagni di Lucca. It can be a bit wet, but I love the rainy, misty days.
…as long as there aren’t too many of them.
The Pinocchio festival returned to Bagni di Lucca on the weekend.
It was opened by the mayor and a band.
Thank you to Rosi for the photos above, I missed the start.
The band played and some young spectators were keen to try their dance steps.
There were stalls selling all kinds of things and the stall owners got into the spirit of things by dressing up.
It was fun to see some wool preparation, old equipment and some serious knitting and crochet.
…and some wood sawing.
There were stilt walkers and magicians to entertain the crowds.
…a slide for the children.
Best of all are the children playing old fashioned games with their parents watching close by.
This little girl looks very pretty with her painted face.
This is is one cool dude.
I like the mode of transport.
Even Pinocchio needs a rest.
This festival is excellent. I have been to a couple now and it is a fun weekend in La Villa…long may it continue.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 