Italy: Lucca (ti amo)
japra | Sep 01, 2010 | Comments 14
Lucca was a charming surprise! Located in Tuscany, this little town is surrounded by thick walls from the Renaissance era. Rick Steves listed Lucca and Pisa together in his Italy book, which I have to admit was the only reason we went. I am so glad we did, though. Lucca is a town with heart.
It wasn’t until I started going through my photos that I realized why I fell in love with Lucca. I bet you can guess why, especially if you’ve been a reader of this blog for a while. :-)
By the way, if you’ve missed the other stops on this trip, you can find them here: Nice -> Monaco -> Antibes -> Cannes -> Cinque Terre -> Pisa.
The walls aren’t used for protection anymore. In the 19th century, the rampart’s wide top was transformed into a tree lined avenue, perfect for a nice evening walk.
Porta San Pietro.
Just inside the gate.
:-)
Have you guessed why I love Lucca?
It’s the bikes! And the general Old World gorgeousness, of course.
San Martino Cathedral dates back to the 11th century.
This talented duo, Vladlen Nemtsev on the bayan and Hanna Chayeuskaya on the tsymbaly, were so good that we bought their CD. They played classical music in shadows of the cathedral. Magical…
Lucca was founded by the Etruscans but became a Roman colony in 180 BC. This site has some excellent information on Lucca, which would be quite useful for the next time you’re in the neighbourhood :-)
Here’s Roxi singing a little Italian opera in front of Giacomo Puccini’s birthplace.
This photo and the one I posted yesterday are my favourites from our time in Lucca. I bet it would be just lovely to spend a leisurely weekend in this town.
I should have gone in, just to see.
We ate here–the food was yummy and the proprietor so friendly and welcoming. By the way, we were surprised how homey (in a good way) the food was on this trip. So different from the Italian food we’ve eaten before.
View from on top of the wall. Tuscany, I’m not done with you yet…
Tomorrow… Florence.
Filed Under: Blog • Destinations • Featured • Italy
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
Oh dear, what a dilemma! I have been doing some light research to decide where to go for our post-Argentina holiday next year (around March/April/May) and I had almost decided we were going to southern Spain (Granada, mainly). My second choice was Tuscany and third was Rome… After reading your posts and looking at your beautiful pictures, I am now having second thoughts….
As to why you love Lucca: is it bec. there are so many Dutch people around? hehe
Aledys, oh what a hard choice!! I would love to spend some more time in Spain. We’ve only been to Barcelona… it was great! I think wherever you go will be perfect :-)
beautiful photos..I must say my favorite is maybe the bikes…such lovely color.
Yes, the bikes were just perfect there, Caite. I really liked their classic styles!
You always take the best vacations and the best vacation pix too. I love the gate shot especially. You have whet my appetite for Italy, and I just got back from vacation.
Thank you, Sarah! I hope you and your family had a lovely time… I will be visiting your blog soon to find out where you went!
lovely photos, I’ve never heard of Lucca before, Tuscany, yes. I would’ve guessed the old architecture is what you liked. Oh well. wow what a trip you had, visiting all these charming towns.
I had never heard of it either, Christine. And you’re not far off on the architecture, I did love it. I think it was the town as a whole. I definitely could have spent another day there!
oh i’ve heard stories of what a storybook little town lucca is…..your photos do it great justice and i esp love the shot of roxi singing her al fresco aria!!
Thank you, Amanda :-) Here’s what Roxi was singing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_2Ub9Ikfx0&feature=related
I love the pictures. Oh the bicycles! The one of Roxi singing is so funny! I bet the people who live near his home end up having to listen to a lot of opera!
Did that shop mean that everything in it cost a Euro?
I think that is what that means, Julia! I don’t know why we didn’t go in. I was probably hungry…
Gahh. Lovely photos! Roxi’s picture is hilarious!
Thanks, Lucylucia! Yes, that Roxi… she’s such a ham.