The guide book says that as you approach Lucchio after some hairpin bends, it seems as if it is “hung” from the sky. I think they are correct, it certainly appears to defy gravity clinging to the side of an almost vertical drop.
Approaching Lucchio.
Lucchio through the trees.
Looking across the valley to the rest of Bagni di Lucca.
Lucchio was the fief of the Lupari family. Because of the fortress at the top of the town it became an important sentry of the Lucca Republic. Its position on the Florence boundary made it susceptible to danger, but the fortress successfully defended the town.
The tiny piazza at the beginning of the town is where we started our walk around the village and up to the fortress. Just above the piazza is a marvellous old stone house that must have been stunning in its day. Now it is a renovator’s delight.
Take a look inside…..it needs a bit of work.
It has a wonderful circular garden in front offering the best views in town.
Looking over the piazza.
Looking across to Limano.
We walked down through the village, which has a population of about 50 people. At every bend in the road the magnificent view appeared between the lovely old stone houses. There are some tiny well kept terraces with the occasional sleeping cat.
I think you would need to be part mountain goat to live in some of these houses.
This rooftop arrangement was most unusual.
We came upon the old telephone and post office…..no longer needed.
And some steps to nowhere.
We trudged back up the hill towards the old fortress.
That is as far as we got to the top. It was blowing a gale and after a few meters on feet and hands we gave up and went back down…..another day with better shoes.
Here are some last looks at Lucchio on the way out.
Lucchio is the last of the Bagni di Lucca villages along the road to Abetone. In fact, the turnoff for Lucchio is just past the sign showing the border of Lucca and Pistoia.
There is a porcini mushroom Sagra coming up in Lucchio. If we go I’ll tell you all about it on Bella Bagni di Lucca soon.