In the north west corner of Tuscany the green valley of the Garfagnana shelters nature reserves, ancient castles, hill-top villages, lakes, caves and a whole lot of peace and quiet. At the entrance to this forgotten valley is a land of hot springs and rolling hills, peppered with the many villages that make up Bagni di Lucca. Once, people flooded here from all over Europe: Russian princes, Victorian poets, French emperors. They came for the waters, and the gambling. Now, the old town and its villages welcome the curious, seekers of spa cures, walkers, riders and those who like to draw, paint and write. And, high above the river, close to the facilities but apart from them, at the end of a private lane, Villa Lupini awaits
Bagni di Lucca
The commune of Bagni di Lucca is a collection of more than two dozen villages and hamlets. Villa Lupini is part of Bagni Caldi. As the name suggests, the area is known for its hot springs and spas. Within walking distance of the house is the spa Terme Bagno Bernabo.
Below the villa is the river Lima and the village Ponte A Serraglio with the superb bar Italia; a 15-minute walk away via passageways and steps. If you are feeling more energetic, take the 'Via dell'Amore' (Lovers Walk). This path takes you to the original village and the main part of Bagni di Lucca (Ville), with its fine villas around, an interesting part of the town that you may well otherwise miss. There is a 'Museum of Curiosities' in the large house associated with Shelley. The essayist Michel de Montaigne also lived in this part of town.
How to get there
Villa Lupini is within 2 hours driving distance of 3 airports;
Pisa (60mins), Florence (80 mins) and Bologna (2hrs).
Fornoli, part of Bagni di Lucca, has a railway station which is a 10 min drive to villa Lupini.
Coming via Milan, head south on the A1. Just before Parma, exit to La Spezia and then, as you reach La Spezia turn left onto the E80 from Genova. Exit right onto the A11 (to Firenze), and later on take the exit for Lucca.
If you are coming from Florence (Firenze), also follow the signs to Lucca.
You really need a car if you are to explore the area, and preferably small or medium seized to comfortably navigate the lane up to the house, and to explore some of the rural villages.
Unfortunately, Google Maps doesn't show the lane that ends up at the villa. At the end, the road becomes narrow so there is also a small parking lot, about 50 metres from the house.
After your booking, you will receive exact directions to the villa.
Villa Lupini is located in Bagni Caldi, part of Bagni di Lucca.
Google Maps does not show the privat road that ends up at the villa. After your booking, you will receive a detailed route description.