Bagni di
Lucca is situated approx. 25 km north of
Lucca, which is also the nearest train station. Apart from the many churches from different periods the town can also lay claim to one of the oldest casinos in the world, which is also where roulette made its debut. Napoleon´s mother – Madame Mère or to her friends just Letizia – used to come here. Many of the villas and palaces of the town date back to the end of the 1700s when the town was one of Europe´s most famous and exclusive spa towns for the very wealthy.
Today the town is no longer as lively as it was when the casino was open and Bagni di
Lucca drew people with money to spend. However, it still has a charming atmosphere and is within easy reach of the beaches of Versilia, the Apiarian Alps and the valley of the river Arno. For lovers of medieval architecture we can warmly recommend a tour round the romantic village churches in the area, for instance Pieve di Diecimo and San Michele, both from the 12th century.
