La Specola
The construction of La Specola, of which there are still numerous plans, was begun by the architect, Lorenzo Nottolini, in 1819 at the request of Maria Luisa of Bourbon who wished to make the park of Villa di Marlia, below into an astronomy observatory dedicated to Urania, but the work was never completed.
The hillside chosen for its construction was and ideal point for observing the sky, and its splendid panoramic position above the plain was free from surrounding buildings and gave 360° view of the horizon.
Flower power
Whatever your view of Springtime, there is no doubting that April is the month when all Lucchesia returns to bloom.
From 17-19 April, the place to be is at Borgo a Mozzano in the Serchio Valley, where the Azalea Festival will be in full swing a wonderful gardeners’ market, with plants, seeds, cut flowers, gardening tools on display, which takes over the whole town. It is over fifty years since locals realised how perfect their climate is for azaleas, enough humidity, almost chalk-free water, not too hot in summer or too cold in winter. Since then, this fair has become a major event in the Italian gardening calendar.
In Lucca, itself, on the following week from 23 to 27 April, the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro will once again be filled with the stalls of local nurseries and flower sellers for the annual Flower Market in memory of Santa Zita.
Look out also for the display in the Piazza in front of the church of San Frediano (which of course houses Santa Zita’s mortal remains).
perfect timing for getting your garden, terrace, patio or window-box blooming with colour again. Look out for amateur gardeners staggering through the streets laden with plants.
The Maritime Museum of Viareggio
In the restored premises of the old Viareggio fish market, built in 1933, there is a permanent exhibition which illustrates the origins and identity of the Versilia area: the Maritime Museum. The museum was first thought of long ago in 1920 by the “Centenary Committee of Viareggio Town” but it was the League of Master Carpenters and Caulkers which, forty years later, and the end the 1960’s, gathered the first exhibits to shows in a the future museum. The museum shows the history and techniques linked to boat building and navigation, with particular attention to the activity which has historically developed in Viareggio, thus taking of the role of “a place of memory” for the conservation, knowledge and vauling of the culture, thanks to the gathering together of exhibits which testify to the maritime hearitage of Viareggio, documenting the links of works, ingenuity and pain between Viareggio and the sea.
The heritage amounts to more than a thousand pieces subdivided into sections: the shipyards and the craftsmanship of the master carpenters and caulkers, the onboard fittings and nautical instruments, the claw divers, the historic documents and artistic testaments, the model of ships, the people of the sea, the splendour and fading of the sail era.
Also of interest is the record of human underwater adventure, such as the claw divers, famous recovery ships. In the 1930’s the claw divers caught the attention and interest of the whole world after the recovery of the gold and silver from the wreck of the Egypt, the English transatlantic ship sunk in the English Channel in 1922. Undertaking a recovery at that time was judged to be impossible. This feat in the 1930’s is unequalled even today, for deep sea recovery.
Among the most valuable exhibits is the telescope belonging to Percy Bysshe Shelley, one of the great romantic poets, whose ship, which left on the 8th July 1822 from Livorno bound for San Terenzo, was wrecked in a violent storm after just a few hours into its voyage. The body of Shelley was whashed up on the beach of Viareggio in front of the Villa of Paolina Bonaparte. On the 10th September 1822 his ship was also recovered, sunk around 15 miles off the Viareggio coast, along with part of its cargo: a trunk, various bottles, books and various items for the journey, among which was his telescope. Apart from ships in bottles and other maritime objects, the museum also has a strong virtual component, the best parts of which are films, photos, and a telecommunications archive.
Ingredients (serves 4)
. 4 artichokes
1. clove of garlic
1. bunch of nepitella (if you’re not reading this in Lucca use mint)
4. eggs
1. lemon
. olive oil
. salt and pepper
Method
Prepare the artichokes (one per person) by removing the coarsest outer leaves, and cut them into slices.
Lightly fry the garlic clove in the olive oil, then add the artichokes and a bunch of nepitella (the local mint like herb), cook until everything is tender, and add salt and pepper.
Beat the eggs (one per person) with salt and pur them into the artichokes, turn the pan and using a fork, let the eggs settle under the atichokes. Cook until creamy, spread the omelette with fresh lemon juice and serve immediately.
This simple but tasty recipe is very popular all around Tuscany, mainly in spring time, when the artichokes are specially tender.
Be aware of the fact that the special flavour of this vegetable can spoil the taste of wine, so do not offer it as appetizer if you’re having a wine-tasting.
Villa Oliva San Pancrazio – Lucca
The villa features an imposing portico with five arches and it is said to have been built in the 16th century by the celebrated architect,, Matteo Civitali. It was ordered by Ludovico Buonvisi, a leading member of one of the most important Lucca families, but the first definite information there is of its existence is found in a 17th century land map.
The front, more sober facade is characterised by the uniform position of the windows. The farm building, the stables, the building next to the villa and the side gate in the west part of the enclosure, date back to the end of the 1600s and the beginning of the 1700s. On the opposite east side there is an oratory and more farm buildings.
The late Renaissance style of the park is interesting because of the way the area is organised, the presence of numerous architectural and furnishing elements and the composition of the garden areas. It also features and interesting system of fountains which includes a fountain with a winged Siren.
A Nymphaeum, also called “the grotta” is situated in front of a high, semicircle of evergreen hedges and marks the end of the garden behind the villa; it faces a large lawn which can be admired from the portico.
The park to the south of the villa is on three levels; the middle level corresponds to the central path and here there is a fountain, known as the waterfall, complete with terracotta bas-reliefs and statues. The gates in the enclosure wall are interesting because of their elaborate construction and decoration.
