Photos

The ancient town of Barga is situated in the valley of the river Serchio on the edge of the Garfagnana Region. The original historical center of town still remains. The old houses are gathered around the dominant cathedral dating back to before the year 1000. The town seems protected by its surrounding walls.
This entire valley is situated between the green Apennines and the rockier Apuan chain (with its marble quarries).

Barga is an ancient hamlet in an incredible location on an outcrop which has retained its medieval foundations, narrow streets, tiny square and steep stairwells .with its cobbled lanes and impressive duomo it is a natural timeless beauty untouched by mass tourism. Barga is a gem: ancient, immaculate and prosperous, it attracts only the discerning. Which brings me to why we were there, we were searching for the famous and delicious “porcini” mushroom. The locals in Lucca had told us that Barga was the only place in the area where we might find fresh porcini mushrooms at that time of the year and that the result would be worth the drive.

While I was standing in the square I noticed two tourists seated waiting for coffee to be delivered, I couldn’t help but photograph the reaction a local woman was having towards the outsiders. There were no porcini mushrooms to be had, but the drive was worth the photograph.