Bagna Di Lucca has a rich history. Set in the spectacular Garfagnana valley, it was originally a spa town graced by the Romantic poets Lord Byron and Percy Shelly, and where the game of roulette was born. The beautiful medieval town of Barga is dominated by its splendid Romanesque cathedral, and has commanding views of river valleys from the towns. The towns and villages around San Gemignano, Montefegatesi, Monte di Villia and Pieve di Controne, have not only the history and charm associated with Etruscan life, but also breathtaking views of the Appenines.
Twenty minutes to the south the walled city of Lucca is the main hub, the home of Puccini, rich in Roman influence, full of hidden palace gardens and medieval town atmosphere, easily as attractive as it's sister city Florence. The Lucca opera season is in September and October, and the Puccini festival at Torre del Largo occurs every August. Not far away is Pisa. If you arrived by air, you may have seen it's most famous monument, the leaning tower. 900 years ago Pisa was known as "the city of marvels", today it is well worth a days investigation.
Florence can easily be reached by train, bus or car from Lucca. Genoea is about two hours away. Milan is about three hours drive and Venice and Torino about four. The Italian Riveria, that stretch of coast from La Spezia north to Genoea, has world famous beaches and resorts and is within easy reach.
As if Tuscany didn't have enough good food and beautiful scenery already, here's another great thing about living there. From December to the end of March thousands of Florentines head for the mountains to take in the treats of Abetone, a small skiing resort about 90 minutes from Florence.
At 1800 meters, on a good day, the pistes at Abetone really are great. You will find great runs for skiers and snowboarders (snowboard park in operation) in the Val di Luca where a series of ski lifts will take you different sides of this enormous valley.
In the small towns and villages of the region traditional markets are held. Local produce and wares are offered for sale.
Feasts celebrating the local churches patrons take place in each of the villages during the summer. These candlelight processions are followed by traditional songs and dances and, of course, a hearty offering of local delicacies.
Typically these properties featured are what you can expect in the towns and villages locally.
There is a rich world ready for enjoying here in Tuscany. The great passion of eating can be enjoyed even in the most modest of restaurants and bars. Gelato (Ice-cream) is enjoyed all year round and one can often observe the old revered Italians indulging in this passion in the middle of a cold Decembers day.
Mornings are often spent drinking varieties of coffee with beautiful cakes and pastries discussing the day's business before slipping off to the office.
Lunch (Pranzo) in this area is often the main meal of the day and consequently one can have a four course meal with wine for as little as 8 euros. Even these modest restaurants have home made pastas and soups. If you venture as far as Lucca then the cuisine is more sophisticated with beautiful dishes of Cingali di Humido (Wild boar ragout).
Pizza cooked in wood fired ovens are delicious and a common place for a snack before an evenings entertainment.
Music of the region is dominated by Puccini and his operas. At Torre di Lago, there is an open air theatre situated on the lake where festivals of his work are performed every summer. In Lucca itself there are many locations where music and opera are performed and on most evenings in the season there is always some concert or recital to attend.
Florence with it's wealth of Art is only ninety minutes away and there are many treasures to see closer to home. Pisa is almost a forgotten citadel outside of the Piazza Del Miraculo with the leaning tower. Cappella del Spino is a renaissance masterpiece not to be missed perched on the banks of the river Arno.
Shopping in Lucca has become a must in recent years with designer boutiques sitting check by jowl with famous landmarks such as Simon's Café, situated in the Via Vungulo. This beautiful walled town is famous for its leather goods and shoes are a must have purchase.
Skiing is very popular in the winter months and the slopes of Abetone and Cutigiano can be reached within the hour. These contain some of the best runs in the region.
The long sandy beaches are enjoyed throughout the long summer by all Italians and there are many and plentiful to choose from and most within forty minutes of Bagni di Lucca. If you are unwilling to drive then there is a magnificent open air swimming pool in the heart of Bagni di Lucca surrounded by mountains and blue sky.
Walking, cycling, painting and fishing are all activities engaged in by many in the region. The countryside is beautiful and unspoilt with chestnut covered hills and melt water streams. Some friends when visiting have said that this truly is Paradise.
