San Cassiano di Controne, small village high on a mountain above Bagni di Lucca in Tuscany, is where my paternal grandparents grew up. I haven’t been there since 1964, so Debra’s blog has helped take me back. Enjoy! For anyone who loves Italy, see other posts here and/or her Bagni di Lucca and Beyond blog in her sidebar …. and thank you Debra! Ciao.
The hamlets that make up San Cassiano were once quite highly populated, but like many of the villages of Bagni di Lucca, it is now a quiet place. We parked the car at the bottom of the village and walked up towards the church and the main square. Along the way we met Arnoldo and his son Fabio who had been collecting fig cuttings to plant.
Arnoldo speaks good English as a result of living in America for 15 years. He came back to his home in San Cassiano in 1971 and has lived here ever since. You can’t blame him, the village is lovely. It sits high on the hill with sunshine all day and spectacular views all around.
He told us that there were 7 parts to San Cassiano. The village will obviously require several visits.
We walked past the War Memorial with the lists of the town’s…
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A Frank Angle 
A wonderful travelogue. Thanks Frank. Have a great weekend.
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Mobius,
The owner of that blog has beautiful pictures of Tuscany – thus giving all visitors the itch for travel. Thanks for visiting.
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Dear Mr. Angle
My maternal grandfather was born in this village as well as his extended family. I visited once, would love to go back. His name was John Domenico Bastiani.
Many Bastiani Names on the War Memorial. Thanks for writing about the Village.
leon
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Leon,
Welcome first-time commenter. Fascinating in several ways, including the fact that I know members of the Bastiani family in Ohio! By the way, you want to see this post. https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2013/02/20/on-a-heritage-walk/
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very nice travel news Frank. Like the photos, and have a great weekend,
xandi
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Xandi,
Travel is great as the world offers so much to see. Have a good weekend too and thanks for visiting.
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I am travel shy, but folks tell me that Italy is the easiest for a midwest American like me with all the American personality issues to see and deal with because of folks hospitality, diet, knowledge of English, etc. So I will watch that site.
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Randel,
English in the cities of western Europe is going to be good, but (in general) not as good in the villages. I recently read the Scandanavians are very good with English. None the less, Europe is a wonderful place to visit, and I recommend cruising in the Mediterranean. Thanks for commenting.
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Wonderful! Thanks Frank, and hope you get to return to that beautiful place.
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Guapo,
Someday I will. I imagine that not much has changed in this small mountain town since I last visited … well, at least externally. You gotta see the setting at the bottom of the mountain! Thanks for commenting.
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Hi,
I went over and had a look at the link to the other blog, really gorgeous photos, such a lovely place. It has been a long time since you have been there, you will have to put it on the bucket list. 🙂
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Definitely on the bucket list .. and maybe within the next 5 years. Thanks for commenting & stay dry.
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It is going to be one of those lazy Sundays today. I had planned on doing a bit in the yard but that isn’t going to happen. 😀
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I can’t even imagine day to day life in such a place as this….but it must be wonderful. Thanks Frank…..and I KNOW you’ll make it back, all it takes is the want to do so.
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Alex,
Take a look around Debra’s at the pics on Debra’s blog and on her other blog. (http://bagnidilucca.wordpress.com/) Your imagination for peace and relaxation will take over. Thanks for commenting.
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I want to go so bad! My kids have done more travelling than me. My wife and I will eventually get across the pond…I just have to get done making money!
Have a great trip.
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Les,
As a friend of mine says, “Italy is one long museum.” I like to think of Italy in two parts: the must-see tourist attractions as Rome, Florence, Venice, and more … and the charm of the rural towns. As far as my trip, I’m hoping within 5 years. Thanks for visiting.
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Cool. I enjoyed that.
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Hansi,
Glad you enjoyed this. The author was supposed to return up the mountain today, thus a possible another post in the future. Thanks for stopping by.
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Beautiful!
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Elyse,
Something special about the homeland. Glad you enjoy this and thanks for visiting.
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Cool share!
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Hook,
It’s a special place for me. Thanks for visiting.
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