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.