We can see Calomini from Vergemoli, not from Casa Debbio, but from the centre of the village. It is just below the bluff in the photo below.
The road there from Vergemoli has been damaged in bad weather and there have been signs advising people not to use it.They have come down recently and I decided it was time for a visit. The road is like all in the area, very narrow in parts, with some blind corners, but the scenery along the way makes it worthwhile.
Grapevines and olive trees start to appear and Calomini comes into view.
I have visited hundreds of these mountain villages around Bagni di Lucca and the Garfagnana and it still surprises me how different they are from each other. Calomini now has only about 30 permanent residents, but they clearly have pride in their town. It is beautifully maintained…come for a walk through the town and up the steep hill to the church at the top.
There are little garden plots all over the town, with some excellent vegetables and grapes enjoying the autumn sun.
Tended flowers and wildflowers do well in Calomini.
Calomini cats know how to enjoy a Sunday afternoon.
This house at the beginning of the steep climb to the church has an amazing view.
It was late afternoon when I was in Calomini and the sun was shining into my camera as I tried to take photos of the mountains, particularly the one with the hole in the top. The origin of the hole in Monte Forato is said to be caused by a clash between San Pellegrino and the devil.
Vergemoli lies on the ridge between the trees and the mountain. I need to go back one morning for a better photo.
From this point it was a steep walk up to the church.
My reward for the climb was a closed door covered by a blue curtain.
The walk back down the hill to my car was much easier. I will definitely return to Calomini for some morning views of Vergemoli.
Looking forward to seeing the views of Vergemoli in your next post on Calomini.
By: Jim & Kerry on September 30, 2014
at 8:49 pm
I will definitely have to go back. There is a restaurant in Calomini that needs to be tried too.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 1, 2014
at 5:31 am
Very beautiful! We are lucky to have so many wonderful places around us.
By: Mulino Dominillo on September 30, 2014
at 8:50 pm
We couldn’t see them all in one lifetime.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 1, 2014
at 5:41 am
they are all so beautiful dear Debra, I love to see Italy through your camera. But but you can guess which one is my best 🙂 They are sooooo lovely, Thank you, love, nia
By: niasunset on September 30, 2014
at 9:29 pm
I know you love the cats Nia.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 1, 2014
at 5:32 am
What a view! So lovely and the village looks very tranquil in the photos.
By: lizgolding on September 30, 2014
at 9:50 pm
The villages are very sleepy, especially on a Sunday afternoon.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 1, 2014
at 5:33 am
Debra, how charming – thank you for the walk. Your photos really are the highlight of my day. I hope next time you visit the curtain will be down and the door open – perhaps on a Sunday?
By: Raewyn van der Walt on September 30, 2014
at 10:32 pm
I was there on a Sunday, but the church service was about to take place in s smaller church at the base of the village. I doubt the hilltop church is open very often. I would probably have to ask someone to open it for me. Many churches are closed in these villages as there are no longer enough people to have a priest for each one.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 1, 2014
at 5:36 am
You are surrounded by such beauty. I wonder why the church was built so far up a steep hill? It would have been difficult for some of the elderly parishioners to get there!
By: Yvonne on September 30, 2014
at 10:56 pm
The church is closed for this reason. Services appear to be held in a smaller church lower in the village. The (recorded) bells were ringing as I entered the village.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 1, 2014
at 5:38 am
What a beautiful hilltown.
By: Tuxedo Sophisticated Cat on September 30, 2014
at 11:05 pm
It is a lovely village. I spoke to one lady, who was getting the church ready for a service, who told me how few people live there now. It would be great to get more people in these places. It would be a real shame for them to die.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 1, 2014
at 5:42 am
Beautfiul nature, charming view.. wow!
thank you for sharing this with us 🙂
By: Sharing is Caring on October 1, 2014
at 5:18 am
Our area is very beautiful.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 1, 2014
at 5:43 am
Thanks for the tour – what a glorious little place! I want to be there!
By: suej on October 1, 2014
at 7:03 am
It is a lovely village. I am so glad I finally go there.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 1, 2014
at 1:24 pm
Such glorious autumn light Debra…. and that pumpkin has my name on it too! Another gem.
By: janinevasta on October 1, 2014
at 10:41 am
I’m going to a pumpkin festival with Heather on Sunday, you should be coming with us.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 1, 2014
at 1:25 pm
Oooooh how right you are! ENJOY IT, both you you.
By: janinevasta on October 2, 2014
at 11:06 am
God, what a gorgeous place! I keep asking myself why I live in Milan!?
By: The Daily Cure on October 1, 2014
at 6:06 pm
I love Milan! I could live there.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 2, 2014
at 4:49 am
Deb, what a gorgeous post! I feel like I’ve been for a stroll in the sunshine with you.. xxx
By: Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial on October 1, 2014
at 8:00 pm
I love these mountain villages. I occasionally meet locals who are happy to talk to me. They all seem to like living quiet, peaceful lives.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 2, 2014
at 4:54 am
As if it was yesterday I’m wistfully imagining life there. Love the pussy cats & the beautiful pics all round.
By: shenANNAgans on October 1, 2014
at 9:28 pm
Life is slow in these villages, which is how the residents like it.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 2, 2014
at 4:55 am
It is interesting how few people can put in so much effort to make a village so lovely
By: Lyn on October 2, 2014
at 7:16 pm
Oh, these are such heavenly scenes, Debra. the cats look very content there. 🙂
By: anotherday2paradise on October 3, 2014
at 2:27 am
You know my love for the region, but I also love that you take me places that I don’t know, yet very much appreciate.
Hope you get a chance to stop by my blog celebration party over the weekend.
By: aFrankAngle on October 3, 2014
at 12:45 pm