All over Italy grapes are ripening on the vines. My friends invited me to help pick their grapes to make wine. I happily agreed.
The setting of the vineyard is lovely and it was a gorgeous day.
The grapes are looking excellent…they taste good too.
Time to pick grapes.
Time for lunch…with some of last year’s wine.
Thank you for inviting me to be part of the day, it was fun and I look forward to sampling the wine when it is ready.
La Villa is the commercial centre of Bagni di Lucca. It is the village most people think of as Bagni di Lucca, which is actually a collection of small villages scattered along the Lima River and in the mountains either side of it.
It is possible to see most of La Villa from a hill above.
The beautiful pool with a view is visible.
…and the ancient church.
…and the beautiful park.
The table is set for a quiet evening above La Villa.
Soon the sun goes down and the lights come on.
My previous post on Guzzano was in late winter. The village looks great in all seasons, but I thought some early summer photos would be in order.
Guzzano is just 10 minutes drive from La Villa on the road up to San Cassiano and Montefegatesi. The views are stunning from the village.
A walk along the narrow lanes reveals some lovely houses and gardens.
The little church is dwarfed by the gorgeous tree in front of it.
The budding fruit on the trees and vines would have ripened by now and some of it already eaten…delicious.
Another visit in autumn is in order.
There can never be too many photos of the magnificent Ponte della Maddalena. Sometimes you can be very lucky and find the river below as smooth as glass, offering gorgeous reflections.
Walk to the top for beautiful views of the valley.
I love this bridge…when I see it I know I am not far from Bagni di Lucca.
There was a fashion parade in La Villa a few nights ago. It drew a large crowd. Summer nights make a perfect backdrop for events in the village.
It is great to see so many people out enjoying themselves. Thank you Rosi for sharing the photos with us.
Ponte a Serraglio looks glorious in summer. I love every season, but when everything is green and lush Ponte is wonderful.
There are often fishermen on the river, I hope they catch something.
By the end of the hottest season the water level in the river drops unless there is summer rain.
This year has been very hot and dry, so it will no longer be as green as when I took these photos, but still beautiful.
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.
The Bagni di Lucca Art Festival was launched on Saturday night. Our trusty Sheila was there to report on the evening.
Lots of people were out and about…it is great to see the road closed and full of art lovers.
Here is a roundup of some of the work on show.
The river installation is great…again. This is always a popular addition to the festival.
Thank you Sheila for showing us around the festival…it continues until 10th August.
For more on the festival go to http://www.artfestivalbagnidilucca.org
Summer in Italy is hot, especially this year. The water in the Lima River is cold…the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day.
We found this inviting place to swim near the bridge to Casoli.
There is a path down to the river. The water looked wonderful. Unfortunately we had no towels or swimsuits so had to content ourselves with an ankle deep paddle.
I would have loved to dive into the deeper water.
The water is clear and running fairly quickly. The photos were taken in mid June, so it may have slowed a bit.
We saw lots of tadpoles…they are probably frogs now.
Happy swimming.
In late spring Granaiola looked gorgeously green.
Grape vines were growing well.
Gardens were flourishing.
The renovator’s delight I photographed a while ago is still there.
The surrounding mountains and villages shone in the sun.
Ponte a Serraglio lies in the valley below.
In the distance you can see Pieve di Monti di Villa, Monte di Villa and Riolo.
Pieve di Monti di Villa.
Monti di Villa.
Riolo.
If you look really carefully through the trees you can see Bugnano, the abandoned village.
Biribisso is a great restaurant in Granaiola…must go back soon.
…gorgeous Graniaola.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 