Information About Bagni di Lucca
LINKS
BAGNI DI LUCCA TOWN - CLICK HERE
LUCCA PROVINCE - CLICK HERE
BAGNI DI LUCCA PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS - CLICK HERE
BAGNI DI LUCCA TENNIS CLUB - CLICK HERE
BAGNI DI LUCCA THERMAL BATHS - CLICK HERE
BAGNI DI LUCCA CASINO - CLICK HERE
LOCAL RESTAURANTS - CLICK HERE
In winter (December – March) you can go skiing at Abetone – approx 40km.
SKIING - CLICK HERE
One of the oldest and most famous towns in the province of Lucca, Bagni di Lucca is easily reached off the SS12, just past the Devil's Bridge. This once-grand spa town has always been known for its curing waters, appreciated even in Roman times.
Bagni di Lucca was frequented for centuries by noblemen and famous people and became known as the land of princes and poets. It became extremely fashionable during the 19th century when it became the meeting place for such distinguished people as the poets Byron, Shelley, Browning, Lever, Giusti, Monti, Carducci, Pascoli, Montale, writers such as Dumas, musicians such as Strauss, Listz, Paganini, Puccini, Mascagni and politicians, saints and popes. Heine described it as "a true and proper sylvan paradise. I have never found a valley more enchanting, even the mountains are nobly formed and not bizarre and Gothic like those in Germany."
The English came to know Bagni di Lucca as the 'Switzerland of Tuscany' and its prestige at that time led to the construction of an Anglican church, an important suspension bridge, the Ponte delle Catene, a neo-classical temple and the Villa Demidoff, the casino, where roulette was invented in 1837, the Circolo dei Forestieri, the foreigners club, now an upmarket river-front restaurant and numerous important villas immersed in greenery.
Also characteristic are the feudal and medieval structures of the mountain villages, rich in history, traditions, legends, and some with Romanesque parish churches, such as Vico Pancellorum and Pieve di Controne.
Ponte delle Catene
Designed and built in oak and chains by the Lucchese architect Lorenzo Nottolini in 1842, the Ponte delle Catene (bridge of chains) was one of Europe's first ever suspension bridges.
The bridge is currently undergoing restoration, the project being part of the World Monuments Fund, a worldwide programme for the preservation of cultural heritage.
Puccini
While a student Giacomo Puccini, born in Lucca, came to Bagni di Lucca to play in a dance band at the Teatro Accademico and at the Sala Ducci. He was paid between 10 and 15 lire for the evening, and often arrived early to dine at a friend's house, not being able to afford to eat out.
Years later he returned several times to Bagni for a summer holiday, as did every well-to-do Luccan of his generation.
He also used to stop here on his way to Abetone, where he owned a house. In 1909 he stayed at the Grand Hotel delle Terme and there composed the second act of 'La Fanciulla del West'.
In 1920 he spent several weeks at the Hotel Vittoria and had his decisive meeting with Adami and Simoni that launched 'Turandot'.
The Casino
The elegant casino in Bagni di Lucca is famous for inventing roulette in 1837. It was closed in 1953 but has recently been restored to its former glory and attempts are being made to regain its licence, which was transferred to Venice.
The Thermal Baths
The spas in Bagni di Lucca were already important during Ligurian, Lombard, Roman and Etruscan times. By the 12th century the spa was so famous that Countess Matilda of Tuscany made it more accessible by improving the surrounding roads and constructing the Devil's Bridge at nearby Borgo a Mozzano. During the 15th century the reputation of the spas was high enough to raise Bagni di Lucca to the same level as the spas at Karlsbad, Spa, Baden and Vichy throughout Europe. Today the nineteen hot springs still flow from the slopes of the Corsena hill and the therapeutic value of the waters remains incontestable. The waters reach temperatures up to 54 degrees centigrade and all sorts of treatments are available to cure respiratory problems, traumatic injuries, gynaecological and fertility problems, nervous conditions, and problems of the arteries and rheumatism. Some of the baths are good for the skin and others for general health and well-being. There are also three thermal swimming pools for public use.
Find our more about the thermal baths today - BAGNI DI LUCCA THERMAL BATHS
Today Bagni di Lucca is a charming town, straddling the river Lima, with all amenities such as bars, restaurants, banks, post office, many shops, a market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, supermarkets, chemist, famous theatre which attracts important productions, thermal baths for both health and beauty, public thermal swimming pools and tennis club.
It has a population of about 7000 and is situated 152 metres above sea level. The landscape surrounding the town is verdant and woody and the inhabitants are renowned for their relaxed and friendly attitude.
INFORMATION
- GETTING THERE
- CAR HIRE
- MAP OF TUSCANY
- MAPS
- DRIVING DOWN?
- BOOKSHOP
- RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
- CHECK OUT THE WEATHER
- EVENTS AND FESTIVITIES IN TUSCANY
- TRAIN TIMES
- COOKERY SCHOOL IN LUXURIOUS SURROUNDINGS
- SKIING IN TUSCANY
- GOLF
- LONG TERM RENTALS
- TRANSLATION
- NOTICE BOARD -
- GETTING MARRIED IN TUSCANY
- GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ITALY
- BAGNI DI LUCCA THINGS TO DO
- ADVERTISING ON WWW.CASATUSCANY.COM
- Village Amenities
- TUSCAN WINE GUIDE
- TOURIST INFO / WHAT'S ON
- HEALTH INFORMATION