Puccini and the Media Valle

Media Valle del Serchio
By bicycle, by motorbike, by car - 58 km

Among the main places of interest in the Maestro’s life, a thorough visit to Media Valle del Serchio is a must. 1. We start from the museum-house in Celle dei Puccini, a hamlet of Pescaglia (Via Meletori 27, Celle dei Puccini ). 
2. We then move on to nearby Colognora, which was the main set of the film “Miracle at St. Anna” directed by Spike Lee. This village, perched on the mountains of Pescaglia, has strong ties with the great composer Alfredo Catalani, Puccini’s fellow music student. A section of the Museo del Castagno (chestnut) museum is dedicated to him. 
3. Before leaving Pescaglia, don’t miss the chance to stop by the 19th-century Teatrino di Vetriano (Small Theatre of Vetriano), known by locals as “La Bomboniera”. It was certified by the Guinness Book of Records in 1997 to be the smallest historic public theatre in the world. It was acquired in the same year by the National Trust of Italy, which made it accessible again thanks to careful restoration work. Today it hosts many performances, including operas by Puccini. 
4. Another site to visit in the footsteps of Puccini is Castelvecchio Pascoli, in Barga. Here you can visit the Giovanni Pascoli museum-house, where the poet lived from 1895 to 1912. The house is immersed in a stunning landscape that opens onto the Apuan Alps. The frequent communications between Puccini and Pascoli are well documented. 
5. This is followed by a walk through the historic centre to visit the cathedral of what is recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. 
6. The last stop in the heart of the Serchio valley is Bagni di Lucca, one of Puccini’s favourite places to stay. It boasts a historic casino and ancient thermal baths, the Circolo dei Forestieri, numerous villas and historic buildings.