Bagni di Lucca
Bagni di Lucca is only 152m above sea level, yet looks almost alpine as the tree clad mountains rise around it; hence its nickname ‘The Switzerland of Tuscany’, and with its mild, climate and renowned thermal springs it has always been a popular destination.
Royalty and nobility from all over Europe stayed here (“in Bagni di Lucca one is knee deep in royal highnesses” according to a C.19th reporter!) as did many famous writers and musicians, including Byron, Shelley, the Brownings, Puccini, Liszt, Strauss and Paganini. The town is thus unusually rich in history and architecture, and much of the beauty and elegance of this bygone era remains in the villas, palazzos and parks, including the first Casino in Europe, now beautifully restored and recently re-opened as Italy’s first fully automated casino. A very pleasant day can be spent just strolling around this charming historic town, ice cream in hand!
There are many good restaurants, trattorias, pizzerias, bars and pastry shops in town, all within walking distance of Villa Rosalena. The people of Bagni di Lucca are very friendly and hospitable, being well used to welcoming foreign visitors, with many speaking some English.
The thermal spa complex offers a range of treatments, therapies or just pampering and includes two superb natural steam grottoes: see www.termebagnidilucca.it. There is also The Global Village, in the former Villa Demidoff, offering holistic therapies: see www.globalvillage-it.com.
The town has a large open air thermal public swimming pool (also smaller indoor pool for winter) in the grounds of Villa Ada, and a tennis club by the river (Mirafiume).
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