Three Weeks in Tuscany - day 8

Back in Bagni di Lucca for the beginning of week two, we came upon this magnificent structure. I was told this was originally a church and currently used as a library, but I have not received confirmation. Any information on this incredible piece of architecture would be welcomed. It is just below villas occupied by Lord Byron and also Mary Shelley, where he in part worked on his first novel, Frankenstein.

Just down the street is the charming Parco Publico Contessa Casalini. Walking into the park I experienced a rare deja vu. I knew this place. I had been there. Though it was impossible, as I had never been to this part of the country before. It was a good and warm feeling, not one that would creep you out. I don’t know. Just across the street was Circolo dei Forestieri, a restaurant with delicious offerings where we were told that Mussolini’s daughter had once taken dance lessons upstairs. As you walked to the rear of the building, and just to the right of this walking bridge which crosses the Lima River, Elisabeth Barrett and Robert Browning lived. If you believed in ghosts …

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

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