The history of A Parino:
A Parino is surrounded with history. The valley was a key Etruscan settlement. Ancient Etruscan pottery has been found close to the stream, which runs through the property. The house is also located on the Via Clodia, the major Roman road, which linked Rome, Lucca and Luna. The names of the surrounding villages indicate the number of leagues (one and half miles) they were from Lucca. There is a small Roman footbridge close to the house and a beautiful Roman church in San Donato, 1 km away. The strategic location of the house is also apparent as it stands on the Gothic Line, the German main defensive line in 1944-45 against the Allied advance from southern Italy. For over 9 months, the Americans and Germans fought between opposing hillsides. On the hill behind A Parino, there are remains of German bunkers, while in front lies the ruined church, held by the Americans. While enjoying the tranquility and beauty of A Parino and the countryside, your imagination is captured by its history!
Local Festivals:
There are two major festivals in the area during the summer. For opera fans or people who would enjoy an evening out in the stars, there is the world famous Puccini Festival at Torre di Lago, 30 minutes away, which takes place throughout July and August. For 2009, the operas are La Boheme, Tosca, Manon Lescaut and Turandot. For rock or pop fans, there is the Lucca Summer festival, where concerts take place in July in the Piazza Napoleone in the centre of Lucca. For 2009, there are concerts by Lenny Kravitz, James Taylor, Anastacia and James Morrison.
Other Activities:
The Ski resort of Abetone is 1 hour away by car
