We believe that Casale di Clio is in the perfect location for those contemplating a stay to focus on a creative project or their studies, and to build in some time for relaxation and outdoor exercise. We are located in Vetteglia, a small settlement in the hills above Bagni di Lucca, in the Lima Valley – in Northern Tuscany, Italy. The Lima Valley is an off-shoot of the Serchio Valley, which leads up into the beautiful Garfagnana. Vetteglia itself, smaller than most of the several villages that are included in the comune of Bagni di Lucca, has a most pleasing aspect: the several ortos clustered in the central area between the hamlet’s stone houses – complete with walnut, fig, and other fruit trees – add to the feeling of it being the perfect rural-idyll gettaway!
While offering rooms in a peaceful rural residence, amid stunning scenery, we are close enough for day-trips to a great range of Tuscan highlights, including: Florence, Pisa, Lucca (a delightful surprise if you do not already know it!), Vinci (home of Leonardo), Pietrasanta (Town of Artists) and even the Versilia Coast. If you don’t want to go so far then maybe visit the local artists’ enclave Vico Pancellorum – or take ‘the high road’ up from Vetteglia Junction (past Monte Prato Fiorito) to Montefegatesi, where you will find a statue of Dante atop the picturesque and surprisingly lively (at least in the Summer!) village.
Even closer, a walk through the woods along the Cammino di San Bartolomeo (or along the quiet road) will bring you to San Cassiano, and its museum, bar/trattoria, shops, and Templar-connected church, dating back to the 8th century (and much further back by some accounts) – look out for the marble chessboard! A local expat blogger has published a good overview of the Bagni di Lucca area – see here.
Monte Prato Fioriti, visited by Percy Shelley (and mentioned in one of his published letters), forms the backdrop to Casale di Clio. There is a relatively easy walk to the foot of the mountain from our door – the ‘high path’, a more serious hike, is also worth consideration.
If you have lunch on a Summer’s day at Bar Santina in San Cassiano, you will be able to gaze back at Vetteglia from their dining terrace, through the cypresses (and maybe pick out the side door of Casale di Clio, if you have good eyesight):
Just an hour and a quarter walk from Casale di Clio, through woodland and small villages and hamlets, is the wonderful Agriturismo Pian di Fiume, with fab food, great ambiance – and chess!
We will be adding information to this page over forthcoming weeks and months. Before we move on, remember: we have a separate page with information about Getting Here and Getting Around, where you will find a map showing our location.