Last week, coming back from the olive press, we were looking up at the villages on the opposite side of the valley, and Pietro's friend, Jon, told us of this old well paved path up from the medieval bridge called the Ponte della Maddalena (also called the Ponte del Diavolo) to the village of Corsagna high above.
So, we did the walk on Tuesday. It was freezing cold when we started, but as we climbed, and the sun did too, we had to strip off in the spring-like warmth. Corsagna proved to be a charming little place, with two shops - a butcher's and a dress shop - really! More importantly, there was a cafe where we could get a cappuccino - one of the best coffees we've had in Italy!
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| Ponte Della Maddalena - built in 1100 AD and still strong - only for pedestrians now |
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| ... and the sunny side - you can see the cunningly incorporated arch for the railway added, presumably, much later than 1100 AD ... |
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| Olives growing on the steep slopes above the path |
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| View down the Serchio valley towards Lucca, beehives just visible at bottom of photo ... |
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| ... and quite a view from the washing line - crampons recommended in wintry weather! |
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| Barbara on the medieval roadway leading to the entry to the town proper |
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| The archway through the town wall |
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| On the way back down - the first stick insect either of us had ever seen wild - this one is impersonating a small French bean! |
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