BAGNI DI LUCCA
Thermal waters
Bagni di Lucca has been renowned for its thermal baths since ancient times. By the early 19th century it had become one of Europe's most fashionable spas, frequented by emperors, kings, aristocrats and the most famous artists
In the 19th Century it became the summer residence of Napoleon's court. The Casino was built in this period and provided Society life; gambling rooms and a large room for dancing
The main thermal baths and therapy centres are located at Bagni Caldi. There are 19 springs of beneficial, regenerating waters that range in temperature from 37°C to 54°C. The first treatment centre was developed by Jean Verraud at the beginning of the 20th century
Today clients can make use of two caves with natural steam and numerous springs of thermal water, used in the preparation of the extensive range of therapies, treatments and cures. There are two thermal centres: Terme Jean Varraud and Casa Bocella, both specialising in the cure of arthro-rheumatic, broncho-pneumatic,Vascular and gynaecological pathologies.
Unique are the two natural steam caves, additional to the centres, where the temperature fluctuates between 40 and 47 °C. The smaller and more charming is Grotta Paolina (2001) which has two caves, each with its own spring and water at different temperatures. There is also the Centro Ouida, which uses the latest thermal beauty treatments and targeted therapy programmes
The Casino In 1825 Carlo Ludovico, Duke of Lucca, regulated card games. He set up the royal Casino at Ponte a Serraglio in 1837, the first in Europe. The roulette wheel did not operate for long however because the Duke withdrew the licence for games of chance in 1841 because there had been a fatal duel
It was closed in 1953 but has been carefully restored to its former glory
Other Notable Historic Buildings Villa Demidoff, a neoclassical temple, Villa Fiori (Fiori Villa), Circolo dei Forestieri (Foreigners' Club), Teatro Accademico, Villa Ada , Palazzo della Lena (Town Hall), Villa Buonvisi and Chiesa Anglicana (Anglican Church)
Feudal and mediaeval structures can be found in the mountain villages which are rich in history, traditions and legends Some have Romanesque churches, the villages of Vico Pancellorum and Pieve di Controne, for example
‘Ponte delle Catene’ (Bridge of Chains) can be found in the next town, Fornoli. It is a suspension bridge designed by the Lucchese architect Lorenzo Nottolini in 1840 it was completed in 1860
LOCAL SPOTS OF INTEREST
Borgo a Mozzano is medieval in origin and characterised by the Ponte della Magdalena commonly known as the Ponte del Diavolo (the Devil's Bridge)
Torre del Lago is a small village between Lucca and Viareggio. Puccini built a beautiful house there which is now a museum. Each summer Torre del Lago hosts the open-air Festival Pucciniano
Lucca - a mediaeval walled city which evolved as major centre in the 3rd century BC once had a Roman amphitheatre. The mediaeval buildings that were built over the amphitheatre retain its original oval shape and brick arches.
The 12th Century Church of San Michele in Foro has a magnificent facade and, inside the church, there is a superb panel painting of Saints Girolamo, Sebastian, Rocco, and Helen by Filippino Lipi (1457). This is one of the few remaining examples of Romanesque architecture in Pisan-Lucchese style
Lucca's narrow streets and piazzas make shopping and dining a real pleasure
Viareggio is Versilia's most popular seaside resort It has beautiful avenues lined with Palm trees, Oleanders and Mediterranean plants. Long, spotlessly clean beaches with all facilties, changing, shower, sunbed and umbrella included in a daily fee
The promenade is lined with designer shops, lovely bars and restaurants There are many fine examples of the Art Nouveau style of architecture seen in the grand hotels, villas, and cafes built in the 1920's, notably Gran Cafe Margherita
Garfagnana - an area of natural beauty with historic interesting towns such as Barga, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana
Further Afield
So much to see! Within a few hour's drive or a day's train journey it is easy to get to other Italian cities such as Florence, Pisa, Siena, Assisi and many , many more
Assisi (streetscape)
