Local Area | Casa a Corte

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
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

Fabrizio (wife and son) own the Butchers opposite the gelateria near the square.

Saurio’s gelateria & bar, Ponte a Moriano square 7 over looking River Serchio

Sauro’s gelateria, the best ice cream and drinks on the terrace upstairs

Wonderful seasonal fresh produce

Tuesday morning market in Ponte a Moriano square. Superb veg & fish.

A really good grocer selling artisan breads. On the road 250m from Antica Locanda di Sesto.

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 December day

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, 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.