Each month we highlight a place of interest around the globe that we consider as unique as Borgo di Vagli. The tips are selected as they either show respect for the environment, nature, and architectural beauty or are deeply indigenous to their individual origin and this month we encapsulate all of these components. This month’s tip is exotic, but not at all far away. In fact it is very close by.
It has been said many times, we often travel thousands of miles to marvel at some unbelievable landscape or intimate piece of Mother Nature and often don’t realize something very special, which remained hidden for years and years…., is actually on our doorstep!
In the words of Owner Harald Kobbe, Bergan, Norway:
“One early summer morning we followed the path up from above the pool. Last year and years before we tried to hike there, but it was completely overgrown, and we got stuck in the more or boysenberry-bushes. However, this spring Stefania, the gardeners and not the least Dina made a great effort and have cleared the path winding up the hill. After about 10 to 15 minutes of rather steep walking, the path flattens out, and winds its way through the wood. At one point it started going a little down hill, and we thought we saw a tin roof or something on our left. Great was our surprise, but also our joy when we found a small pond or lagonetta. So completely unexpected!
The pond is surrounded by a narrow path, so you can walk around it, and on the one side there is a little table with four chairs and an old bench. A perfect place to sit down and enjoy the sounds and smells from the nature around. One waterlily was in bloom, and dragonflies of every possible colour and size were hovering around and near the water. An old wooden pier, almost completely hidden by reed, may tell a story of some time ago when there even was a small boat out there on the water.
It is difficult to describe the place adequately, and we believe different persons will experience it differently and in their own way. But for us, this became a heavenly sanctuary almost of a meditative kind. We felt even closer to the nature there than down at Vagli.
Probably the pond belongs to the Fracchie, and one must respect that, also taking care of the chairs, table and bench. However, during our weeks at Vagli this summer, with several visitations, we never saw anybody else there. It is a perfect place to sit for a while before walking on to Monte Ginezzo, Bacia Lupo or Monte Santa Croce. For the gentle walkers, it is also possible to reach the place. You may drive up on the ridge, park at the Hunters Lodge, and then walk down by the Fracchie, turning left just before reaching the main building there.
Have a wonderful visit to this little gem.
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