The medieval town of Barga is a bit of a hidden gem, located in the Tuscan-Apennine hills in the heart of the Serchio river valley, in the province of Lucca. Scenic, historic and with a surprising amount of things to see, do and experience, the town really is a delightful surprise to visitors. It has one many awards for its touristic excellence and has even been named One of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. If you are interested in local traditions, festivals and a place where there is a slower pace of life but still plenty of things to see and do, just find a luxury villa in Lucca and spend time exploring this charming little town that is off the beaten tourist track.
Barga dates back to the Longobard era of the early Middle Ages and its street plan has changed very little since then. It is a large web of little streets and alleys around historic buildings that is characteristic of the area and incredibly pretty.
Barga dates back to the Longobard era of the early Middle Ages and its street plan has changed very little since then. It is a large web of little streets and alleys around historic buildings that is characteristic of the area and incredibly pretty.
The castle, which is still intact and has been beautifully restored, is one of the main highlights but the greatest architectural gem of the town is probably the Duomo, located in Piazza Ser Barghesano, that is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in the area but was actually built in different phases and throughout different periods between the 11th and the 16th centuries.
Other historic highlights include the ancient monastery of Santa Elisabetta, the 14th century Loggia del Podestà, the Arringo lawn between the Duomo and the Praetorian Palace, where the people used to meet in parliament and where you'll find amazing views of the surrounding landscape, the 15th century Church of San Francesco, and The Teatro dei Differenti (the theatre of the different), the incredible main theatre of the town that is steeped in tradition.
Other historic highlights include the ancient monastery of Santa Elisabetta, the 14th century Loggia del Podestà, the Arringo lawn between the Duomo and the Praetorian Palace, where the people used to meet in parliament and where you'll find amazing views of the surrounding landscape, the 15th century Church of San Francesco, and The Teatro dei Differenti (the theatre of the different), the incredible main theatre of the town that is steeped in tradition.
Events, however, are the biggest bragging point of the town, with unique and special festivals of all kinds taking place throughout the year. Every second Sunday of the month, from 8am onwards, there is an antiques fair that fills the historic centre with stalls selling all sorts of object. Mid-August Barga's Jazz Festival, which has been running for forty years, takes place and, in July, the town plays host to an international Opera Festival. A very interesting festival is the Sagra del pesce e patate, a fish and chips festival that celebrates Barga's status as “the most Scottish town in Italy”, due to the large number of migrants from Scotland in the early 20th century.
This quirky and pretty town in Lucca is one that you're less likely to hear about in guides of Tuscany but is well worth the visit and is sure to surprise and delight guests.
This quirky and pretty town in Lucca is one that you're less likely to hear about in guides of Tuscany but is well worth the visit and is sure to surprise and delight guests.
Photo credit
Picture 1: gee / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 3: Guerinf / CC BY-SA 4.0
Picture 1: gee / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 3: Guerinf / CC BY-SA 4.0
