Thermal baths
The Bagni di Lucca area is well known for its thermal springs – ‘bagni’ means baths in Italian, whilst ‘terme’ means thermal springs. People have come here over the centuries to ‘take the waters’, among them many famous figures including Lord Byron.
The thermal spa complex is located in the little village of Bagni Caldi, in the hills above Ponte a Serraglio. The natural vapours of two caves, Grotta Grande and Grotta Paolina, lend the spa its unique character. The temperature of 47°C is ideal for skin cures, relaxation and cleansing. As well as thermal cures and taking the waters, massages and beauty treatments are also available at the wellbeing centre.
The Serchio Valley
The Serchio is the third longest river in Tuscany. It flows southward towards Lucca whilst upstream lies the town of Castelnuovo del Garfagnana. As there are roads which closely the course of the river, the valley makes for a lovely scenic drive. Moreover with roads on both banks and fairly frequent crossing points, you can head up one side and down the other.
A key sight in the valley is the Ponte della Maddelena at Borgo a Mozzano, just south of Bagni di Lucca. Also known as Ponte del Diavolo (the Devil’s Bridge), legend has it that the devil himself built the bridge and would give it to the locals in exchange for the soul of the first person to cross it the next day.
Activities nearby
There are tennis courts in Bagni di Lucca. Also a local company offers quad bike hire, as well as kayaking and rafting on the River Lima.
Mountain bikes are available to hire in Lucca or from Castelnuovo (with the possibility of delivery to your holiday property).
Just to the north of Bagni di Lucca lies the Orrido di Botri, a dramatic natural gorge known as the Canyon of Tuscany. Stunning scenery for picnics and hiking, with the option of joining a guided walk.
To the south, near Lucca, the ‘Selva del Buffardello’ park in San Romano in Garfagnana has a series of treetop adventure courses which youngsters are likely to enjoy.
Sights nearby
Coreglia Antelminelli is a hilltop village, just to the north of Bagni di Lucca, dating back to medieval times. Nowadays it is most famous for its museum of plaster figurines. During the 16th and 17th centuries, local artisans created these figurines and started to export them all over the world. There are over 1000 figurines in the museum (Palazzo Vanni) – kings, mythological characters, well known people and even animals.
A little further north, the pretty town of Barga is lovely to visit, with its narrow streets and hidden alleyways. At the top of the town you will find a magnificent cathedral and a stunning view. In the 19th century there was an exodus from Barga to the industrial centres of Scotland in search of work, and this Scottish connection is still felt today.
On the opposite bank, near Gallicano, you can visit the Grotta del Vento (or ‘Windy Cave’), so called because of the air current running through the cave system which changes direction according to the seasons! It is a spectacular underground world full of stalactites and stalagmites, alabaster draperies, crystal-brimmed lakes, underground watercourses and bizarre forms of erosion.
