HISTORY & TRADITION |
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Once upon a time... there was a little, kindhearted community located in a valley on the northern side of the Pisani Mountains, between fragrant pinewoods and delightful hillsides adorned with chestnut woods. There were old houses, ancient churches, and villas. In the "piana", Lucca's towers stood tall. In the distance rose the Apuane Alps with their famous marble quarries and further on were the light blue Pizzorne Mountains. It was a simple life but sometimes hard. For the men, there was the forest, the fields and the olive groves. The women took care of their large family, the chickens, and the hand weaving. It was a life related to the seasons. A summer thunderstorm, a frost, or a drought was enough to create serious problems. But the people possessed a faith in God to guide them in their everyday lives. There was also a great sense of friendship between fellow villagers. There were strong family affections, real sympathy for other people's troubles, and joy for their happiness. |
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Once upon a time... there was occasion of reunion. In winter, there was a gathering around the fireside of the great kitchens where everyone drank the new wine, talked about the harvest, and the children were frightened by stories of demons and ghosts. Even in this simple life the arts were appreciated and there was occasion to experience musical performances and drama. |
Now, there still is... a peaceful place where you can go, full of olive groves and villages nestled into the hills. It is the Compitese area, beyond the arches of the aqueduct that "consolò la citta d'acque salubri" (soothed the town with healthful waters). Now there are poplar trees and cane fields where once there was an ancient marsh, but the spring waters still flow. Romanesque churches and hermitages trace the ancient "Via Romea" which was traveled by pilgrims. Nearby are the great villas of the Lucca area. Among others, you can see the wonderful Villa Mansi in Segromigno, where the ghost of Lucida still resides. As the story has been told for generations, in return for endless youth she gave the devil her soul. At the end of her agreement, part of this villa's garden opened into a gaping chasm that swallowed her. Now, there still is... a splendid place where travelers can spend time in the peace and quiet of the legendary , tranquil Tuscan hills. You will be a guest on the Orsi family estate, Alle Camelie. Alle Camelie provides a special opportunity where guests can spend a holiday living side by side with art, culture, and ecology. |
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We have sought to preserve the rural Tuscan esthetic while providing modern amenities to ensure the comfort of our guests, either in the villa furnished with antique furniture, in the large farmhouse surrounded by a charming garden of camellias, or the bed and breakfast rooms. We also have dedicated ourselves to the historic, seasonal activities of the countryside in the harvesting of chestnuts and olives, and taking quiet strolls between the woods and the mountains. The simple appreciation of nature is enjoyed. Villa Orsi Alle Camelie is a real working farm that produces its own highly prized, organic, olive oil from its adjacent olive groves. This Lucca region and our farm are renowned for the quality of olive oil. The farm observes only ecologically safe production methods, respecting nature and the environment. There are also many historic camellias on the farm. Guests can buy "starts" or "cuttings" of rare nineteenth century camellias from the Villa's garden. Your holiday at Alle Camelie will be a treasured memory for everyone. You will bring home with you the color of the Tuscan sky and the smell of the woods, always keeping in mind the memories of this Iand and its people. |
tel 0583.55505 - 0583.977001; fax 0583.55505