Nearest Airport : Pisa Airport at 40 Kilometres
Nearest Ferry : Viareggio at 30 Kilometres
Nearest Train : Lucca at 15 Kilometres
Nearest Motorway : Lucca at 15 Kilometres
Nearest Beach : beach at 30 Kilometres
Nearest wonderful trattoria – 10 mins
Nearest Michelin starred restaurant – 12 mins
Nearest supermarket – 12 mins (shops 10mins)
Car : necessary
Lucca is a beautiful historic medieval walled city and former capital of Tuscany in the wealthy days of the silk trade. It is also the birthplace of the famous Italian composer Puccini. The city is mostly pedestrianised, which is fantastic for cycling ( cycles available for hire) and walking. The passeggiata (Italians take to the streets for a walk before dinner, which is a social, sanctioned opportunity for flirting and courting) is a great time to cycle around the walls of Lucca, admiring the views, the courtyards and beautiful gardens. Lucca boasts wonderful art, architecture, shops and restaurants.
The countryside north of Lucca is breathtaking with medieval villages perched on wooded hillsides. There are many beautiful palazzos, spas and vineyards to visit in the area. Florence, Pisa and the beaches are all within a short distance.
In the Summer sagras (local village dinners & dances) and many musical events take place. Puccini operas are performed at Torre del lago, whilst in Lucca, during July, several of the worlds best musicians (rock, jazz, blues, & classic) play in the amphitheatre. There are also several jazz festivals.
There are many superb restaurants within 15 mins of the house to suit all tastes and budgets. Fungi and truffles are some of the local specialities and olive oil from Lucca is reputed to be one of the best in the world. One hour’s drive north from the house is the beautiful ski resort of Abetone. This is a very popular resort with very good facilities.
Lucca has 2 markets a week and an antique market on the 3rd Sunday of every month. There is a market in Ponte a Moriano (5km from A Corte) every Tuesday morning selling fresh seafood, local cheeses & honey, fruit, vegetables, tools & clothes.
This wonderful location (a wildlife paradise), can be viewed using Google Earth.
Local shop keeper and grand daughter helper
Maurizio in his family DIY shop, Ferramenta opposite Sauro’s gelateria. He stocks 25,000 items (& speaks perfect English)
Fabrizio, wife, son, Georgio & girl friend own the Butchers opposite the gelateria near the square. They are a delightful family and carry a lot of delicatessen stock, oils, pasta, shell fish salads, cheese, pesto’s.
At Easter it’s traditional to have a milk-reared lamb which is so delicious. They prepare delicious meat for bbqs and stuffed meat for roasting.
Sauro’s gelateria & cocktail bar, in Ponte a Moriano square over looking River Serchio. The best ice cream & cocktails in the area. Try a Pina Colada made with coconut ice cream!! This is a local hub and represents Italy’s ageless society, with grand parents sitting with grand children.
Apperitivi
Wonderful seasonal fresh produce – buy seasonal local produce
Tuesday morning market in Ponte a Moriano square. Superb veg & fish.
A really good grocer, Fratelli Paganelli selling local foods & artisan breads. On the lower road 250m from Antica Locanda di Sesto.
This family run business have been baking bread & pastries over olive wood (Friday afternoon pizzas) since 1947
Gugliano church cloister
Gugliano Church overlooking valley
The war grave of the Barsotti & Bertolacci families
Eating in the stala of our lovely Texan friends, Robert & Kay Ghiselli who live just 7 minutes walk up the lane from our house. Kay is a wonderful Italian cook.
Garfagnana truffle hunter
Farmers drying corn for winter chicken feed
Over the hill to Lucca on a summer’s day. The area always amazing me with its beauty, art, culture & food
Balmy sunny evening on the Serchio valley
Croce di Brancoli visible north east from across the pool. As the crow flies the cross which is over the valley and River Serchio is only about 3km away from our swimming pool, but a 40min journey by car, via Ponte a Moriano, left to Brancoli and then a drive up the hill on tarmac and then on clay.
Looking from Croce di Brancoli back towards Casa a Corte. Spot the red house?
Beautiful walled city of Lucca, 15 minutes drive from A Corte
The wonderful marble San Martino duomo, Lucca
Giacomo Puccini in his Luccese birthplace
The nearby Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge), 10 mins from the house and near Brancoli surrounded by beautiful mountains over a the River Serchio which is full of brown trout. Built in 1080.
The Devil’s Bridge with steam train at Borgo A Mozzano
Lucca Villas: During the silk trade, Lucca was extremely wealthy and was the capital of Tuscany. There are several wonderful villas & gardens to visit only 15 minutes away, stocked with wonder art, sculptures and water features.
