Bagni di Lucca
Oct 15th, 2010 by jumperpants
The Thermal Springs of Bagni di Lucca have been known since the Etruscans and the Roman Empire for there healing qualities. In the 14th Century Lucca, realising it’s natural assets, invested heavely in the town which subsequently grew in report and attracted many famous foreigners reaching it’s loftiest heights in the 19th century when it became the summer residence of Napoleon’s courts and frequented by his sister, Elisa Baciocchi. Since these days of grandeur Bagni di Lucca slowly lost its fame and subsequent fortunes though the same springs continue to give forth the same healing waters and the picturesque grace of its bridges and villas remain. A forgotten gem overlooked by the majority of the tourist crowds.
Its surrounding 25 mountain villages all have their own natural beauty and worth many a day trip. The mountainous surrounds and natural parks sport a plethora of walks and sights including the beautiful pair of bald mountains lovingly coined “Tuscany’s breasts” – officially “Prato Fiorito” – or the great gorge of “Orrido di Botri” which can be trekked up in the warmer months if your willing to get wet and wear a hard hat. Rifugio’s scattered throughout the parks offer more than just a refuge but a good nights sleep and amazing Tuscan feasts to boot.
Aside from being pampered in the natural thermal baths or sitting for hours in an incredible choice of Tuscan restaurants, all kinds of activities can be found, including paragliding , 4 wheel motorbiking, horse riding and kayaking. The people are friendly and the air is fresh. It has become my home and I still get blown away daily by its natural beauty.
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