Walking in the intense heat of Tuscan midsummer, it was in my best interest to find a route to stay in the shade on my twice weekly walk to the pool. After some time walking directly in the full sun, I decided to take the slightly longer route, which led through the cool dappled shade of the majestic Linden and Plane trees that line the main road. I also enjoy the tall, stately, late 19th to early 20th century Liberty villas, with their contrasting trim and often decorative eave painting, or, the more modern homes in between, all equally well maintained, surrounded by tall bay or laurel hedges, and elegant wrought iron gates.
After a few minutes walk I turn left onto Via Umberto Vittorini, (1890-1979), passing the ancestral home of the contemporary sculptor and his sister, the expert weaver, Luigi and Maria Teresa Paolini. At the end of the street I turn right onto Via Adolfo Balduini, (1881-1957), and along the shaded park. Then I turn right onto Via Bruno Cordati (1890-1979) and finally, right onto Via Giacomo Puccini.
These three early 20th Century artists connected to Barga, in addition to Alberto Magri, (1880-1939) whose eponymous via is farther up the road, are currently featured in a wonderful exhibition entitled Enchanted Barga, —Visions of the Soul’s Landscape, at the Stanze della Memoria Museum in the historic center, sponsored by the city of Barga with the expert curation of Cristiana Ricci, president of Fondazione Ricci, ETS, the important cultural entity focusing on the Arts, Music and History of Barga. The exhibition will be on view from 11 July to 14 September 2025. See also: barganews.com for the article of the exhibition.
Arriving at my destination, I slip into the cool clear water to contemplate the enchanting passage through Le Vie degli Artisti, the Artists’ Ways.
