Bottaccio - Lucca - San Ginese

If you take a look at an old copperplate engraving showing the area East of Lucca you will still find, just North of the town of Bientina (worthwhile to visit for its nice antique shops) “Lago di Bientina”, the Bientina lake which today does not exist any more. But even in our days a part of the nearby village of San Ginese is known as “Il Porto” by the older local people referring to the former lake.

The area, once covered by this lake, is now a large natural reserve that because of its uniqueness is of major interest not only for born nature freaks. The main part of this reserve is the so called “Bottaccio”, an area of roughly 20 hectares East of Castelvecchio with access for cars or by foot from practically all directions.
Where once has been the lake, fed by a creek coming down from the Pisa Mountains, there is now an area cut trough by uncounted paths and canals, absolutely natural and thus an oasis for rare vegetation and animals. Swampy meadows, manifold flora suited just for this kind of terrain, large parts covered with the typical “canne” (high reed). And, of course, the area is home for large populations of rare birds that find here an ideal living and breeding environment. A real Dorado for bird watchers.

Space for extended walks without having to cover large distances; if ever you might encounter an agricultural vehicle or one of the wild looking but in most cases very gentle hunters – or just another tourist and enthusiast for such fascinating islands of untouched nature.

You could also travel through the area by car; the roads, however are a show stopper for weak nerves or brand new cars, specifically those with a sport chassis. Much more impressive it will be to discover this area walking. At any time of the day you will be confronted with beautiful views, colours as from another world. The brave ones will make a night trip (the really brave ones even a walk) through the Padule with foggy weather. We have done so many years ago: it really leaves you with a strong impression and experience, almost spine-chilling, a scenery that makes you think the “Baskerville dog” will appear any moment.
Our children, teenagers at the time, vividly recall the creepy feeling they had that night (certainly not less so the parents).

Beyond that there is a truly recommendable and well managed restaurant in the middle of the Padule, the “Baracca dei Nanni”, offering amongst other dishes excellent fish recipes and – certainly no surprise – the specialities of the Padule waters like eel and frogs (for those who like that kind of food). Reservation needed as this restaurant is a favourite also for the locals.
Have one more Grappa “for the road” as it is and will remain an impressive adventure.

There are guided tours through the reserve and thus also in the Bottaccio. Get detailed information from WWF Lucca, Via Don Minzoni 300, tel. 0583-56008

Villas and apartments we offer in the area:

Lucca Villa: Lovely and elegant Tuscany Cottage with stylish furniture in close distance to Lucca.

Al Biancalana	sleeps 4	Pool private - 8 x 4 m
have a look at:	2 bedrooms - 2 bathrooms	golf courses ca.30 car min
Tuscany Cottage	Tuscany - Lucca ca. 7 km	beach ca. 30 car min

Lucca Villa: Beautiful characteristic cosy Tuscany Contry house on very well kept property.

La Cascina	sleeps 4	special for 2 people	Pool private - 10 x 5 m
have a look at:	2 bedrooms		golf courses ca. 40 car min
Tuscany Country House	Tuscany - Lucca ca. 14 km		beach ca. 40 car min

Bottaccio Lucca - San Ginese

Bottaccio
Lucca - San Ginese