Traveling to Lucca, a visitor will find that they slowly are taken back in time. It is very easy to take the seventy minute ride to Lucca on the Florence-Viareggio train which leaves Florence at regular intervals throughout the day. Riding along a person can enjoy the beauty and countryside of Tuscany as the train meanders to the North and ends at the Lucca Station.
Near the Serchio River, sitting on a plateau, is the city of Lucca. One immediately notices that the city is surrounded by a medieval forty foot wall. A gentle path leads to the top of the wall and a visitor can take a stroll along all three miles of the sixty foot wide wall and see the entire city of Lucca and the countryside surrounding it. The gardens, piazzas, cathedrals, and homes that lie within the city walls are sheltered and even in the summer provide one with a cool and refreshing place to spend time.
The winding streets are laid out in the Roman grid pattern that was created when the city was first built. This layout includes narrow lanes and streets leading to piazzas throughout the city. The architecture of the buildings throughout the city provide one with the opportunity to see classic Roman and medieval architecture at it's finest.
It is very easy to navigate through the city because the piazzas and streets are laid out on the grid pattern that was established when the Romans built the city. The Piazza dell' Antiteatro is on a former Roman amphitheater that is surrounded by beautiful outdoor cafes and shops. During the month of December an outdoor market is held that provide the visitor with an opportunity to purchase many unique items that are handcrafted by the townspeople.
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.
Lucca is a city where a person can plan on staying a few days and spend weeks exploring. It embodies the essence of the culture of Tuscany and the Italian people. The events that are held from September through December give a person an exciting treat each day. When the processions and fireworks take place during celebrations of Volto Santo one will find that the city is even more beautiful than could be imagined. - 30213
Near the Serchio River, sitting on a plateau, is the city of Lucca. One immediately notices that the city is surrounded by a medieval forty foot wall. A gentle path leads to the top of the wall and a visitor can take a stroll along all three miles of the sixty foot wide wall and see the entire city of Lucca and the countryside surrounding it. The gardens, piazzas, cathedrals, and homes that lie within the city walls are sheltered and even in the summer provide one with a cool and refreshing place to spend time.
The winding streets are laid out in the Roman grid pattern that was created when the city was first built. This layout includes narrow lanes and streets leading to piazzas throughout the city. The architecture of the buildings throughout the city provide one with the opportunity to see classic Roman and medieval architecture at it's finest.
It is very easy to navigate through the city because the piazzas and streets are laid out on the grid pattern that was established when the Romans built the city. The Piazza dell' Antiteatro is on a former Roman amphitheater that is surrounded by beautiful outdoor cafes and shops. During the month of December an outdoor market is held that provide the visitor with an opportunity to purchase many unique items that are handcrafted by the townspeople.
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.
Lucca is a city where a person can plan on staying a few days and spend weeks exploring. It embodies the essence of the culture of Tuscany and the Italian people. The events that are held from September through December give a person an exciting treat each day. When the processions and fireworks take place during celebrations of Volto Santo one will find that the city is even more beautiful than could be imagined. - 30213
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Click here for more information on Tips for Travelling to Lucca and Enjoying Lucca and Tuscany's countryside Courtesy of Hotel Hambros Lucca
