There is so much to see when one is traveling to Lucca. The adventure begins however when one boards the Florence-Viareggio train and makes the seventy minute trip to this ancient city that lies at the northern end of Tuscany. The train takes one through the beautiful countryside and a clear view of the Apuane Alps is ever present.
Sitting on a plateau near the river Serchio, Luca is unlike any other part of Tuscany that one will visit. The terrain is made up of gentle paths and walkways. The most spectacular sight to see when one first arrives in Lucca is the city wall. The entire city is surrounded by a three mile wall that is forty feet high and sixty feet wide. The wall and surrounding area are beautifully maintained and one is able to see the entire city from above.
The city has many winding streets leading to small shops and points of interest. There are very cars in the city, so walking or bicycling is the main modes of transportation. The city was originally built by the Romans, so a person will find architectural features dating from Roman times throughout the city.
The city is laid out on a Roman grid pattern which makes it very easy to navigate and get around. The Piazza dell’ Antitetro is surrounded by outdoor cafes, shops, and homes. The center of the piazza is a Roman amphitheater that has an outstanding market during the month of December. A visitor can find unique crafted items from all over the Lucca area.
When walking around the walls a person will notice a tower that has oak trees on top. This is the Tower Guinigi and is a must see when visiting. Getting to the tower through the Via Sant’Andrea gives a visitor a chance to wander through a tiny, narrow lane filled with shops, a shoemaker, and antiques. Once at the entry of the Tower one will find that the entire climb of two hundred thirty steps is made easier by the historical pieces, paintings, and drawings that ascend the steps with you.
There are many beautiful piazzas and cathedrals scattered throughout the city. One may visit the Piazza San Michele in the center of the city. This piazza is at the junction of cardo and decumaneus, a Roman street. The cathedral is beautiful and each marble figure in the facade is representative of a statesmen of the age when it was built.
There is a myriad of medieval buildings, shops, and cafes surrounding the piazza. At the top of the cathedral, the archangel Michele is posed with mobile wings. By walking behind the cathedral you will see the stairs that men climbed to move the angel’s wings during events. The Taddeucci bakery behind the church sells all of the traditional cakes of Lucca that are wonderful and appetizing.
Traveling to Lucca provides a person with an opportunity to explore both the history and culture of Tuscany and this beautiful town. The people are friendly, warm, and inviting. A person will find that a short stay is impossible when they begin to explore the many lanes, shops, cathedrals, and piazzas that this city offers. Then, there are the parades, festivals, and events that take place daily from September through December. One can watch the spectacular fireworks from the city walls and enjoy the beauty of this wonderful city.
Click here for more information on Tips for Travelling to Lucca and Enjoying Lucca and Tuscany’s countryside Courtesy of Hotel Hambros Lucca
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