Vico Pancellorum is one of the beautiful villages that make up Bagni di Lucca. Here is a programme of events there over the next few weeks.
If you have an interest in mountain bikes this could be for you.
…and this at Ponte a Serraglio.
Summer is a busy time in Bagni di Lucca.
Vico Pancellorum has hosted an art event every year.
The beautiful church at the top of the village makes the perfect venue. The walk up from the bottom is worth the effort for the view alone.
Some of the old doorways and windows along the path would make good art subjects.
There was a large crowd in the church.
It is good to see these lovely old churches open.
There was an excellent choice of art on display.
Thank you Moe for taking the photos so we could share the event.
We had lunch again at the wonderful Buca di Baldabo in Vico Pancellorum. It was a beautiful day and after lunch we ventured into new territory when we headed uphill from the restaurant.
The name Vico Pancellorum may have come from ‘panis celorum’ – heavenly bread, but more probably from a type of grass, ‘panicellum’ which grew in the area. The town is ancient and now has a population of only about 120 inhabitants.
Come for a walk to the top of the village.
We walked back to the car through beautiful chestnut trees.
The birds were singing, wildlfowers line the road and the air is heavenly. What more could you wish for?
Click here to see the other post on Vico Pancellorum which talks about the delicious food at Buca di Baldabo and the lower part of the village.
There is an official website for Vico Pancellorum…vicopancellorum.toscana.it
The wonderfully named Vico Pancellorum is a ancient town. Like other towns in Bagni di Lucca, it was involved in conflicts between Florence and Lucca. The town was almost razed to the ground in 1343. It still retains the medieval structure and is fun to explore.
At the entrance to the town is the church, Pieve di S. Paolo, which dates from 873.
The church is Romanesque style. The facade is gabled, with a cross rose window. Symbolic figures are carved in the lunette over the door.
We decided the figure on the left was wearing and early example of board shorts.
It was an overcast day the day we visited, but the view over the surrounding mountains was spectacular.
The wintery landscape seems to suit this village.
We walked around behind the church, where there is a narrow road up to the village.
There were signs of spring to brighten a dull day.
As usual, I love all the little details to be discovered in the tiny streets.
I want a unicorn tap too!
The main purpose of our visit was to have lunch at the very well known restaurant Buca di Baldabo. I have eaten here several times and the food is very good. I have yet to come on a fine day. I will have to keep trying.
Our first course was ravioli with Zingara sauce…..delicious.
I had deer with olives next.
My friend had rabbit with capers.
And who can go past poached pear with chocolate sauce????
On a better day I will go to the higher part of the town to look around.
There are some wonderful old gnarled trees along the road into town.
There are some very interesting works of art as well on the way into town.
I’m not sure of the significance of some of these pieces, but it made us stop and look.
Be sure to phone Buca di Baldabo before you go to make sure they are open. (39) 0583 89062
Bella Bagni di Lucca 