At first glance, Barga looks like any other Tuscan village, with its terracotta rooftops, a bell tower above the main square, and narrow lanes opening onto verdant hillsides. But in Barga something feels different.
The BBC has called it “the most Scottish village in Italy”. Listed among Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages (Borghi più Belli d’Italia) and awarded the Touring Club’s Orange Flag, Barga is a special cultural phenomenon. The blue and white flag of St Andrew flutters, tartan is a common sight, English signs abound – and yes, there’s even a fish & chips festival. But why is that?
