A day in Lucca

A number of years ago Frances had told me that Lucca was a nice city to visit so we decided to drive there on Wednesday. It took just over 2 hours which wasn’t too bad and we found parking easily enough. Unlike a lot of Tuscany’s hilltop cities, Lucca is flat. It is enclosed by massive red brick walls which are among the best-preserved Renaissance defences in Europe. A promenade with a double avenue of trees runs along the top of the city walls. It was made into a public park in the early 19th century by Marie Louise de Bourbon. From it there are fine views of Lucca. Our first stop was Piazza Napoleone in which is the Palazzo Ducale.

From there we made our way to Piazza San Michele and the San Michele in Foro Church. This church stands on the site of the ancient Roman Forum. It has a rich Pisan-Romanesque façade. The inlaid marble scenes depict wild beasts and huntsmen on horseback rather than Christian subjects. Onlr the huge winged figure of St. Michael, the Archangel, marks it out as a church. Just as we were about to enter the doors were closed to the public so I have no way of knowing what the inside was like.

This statue of The Madonna on the corner of the Church is a copy of the original inside carved by Matteo Civitali (1436 - 1501)

Street performer.

A clock tower 

Another clock tower

a more modern statue with love written on it. 

Another modern one

9037 Torre del Guinigi, a medieval tower with holm-oak trees growing at the top. It was possible to climb to the top but my foot said no!

Fresco on the street.

Luigi Boccherini

Available for tourists in Piazza San Martino

San Martino, Lucca’s Cathedral dates from the 11th century. Its marble façade is asymmetrical to accommodate the adjoining belfry. Its façade, covered with scenes from daily life, is an outstanding example of the exuberant Pisan-Romanesque style.

Another statue of Garibaldi

 While we lunched this cyclist appeared several times delivering fruit and vegetables to the restaurant.

The Puccini museum and Puccini

Inside a building that was being done up.

Along the walls. The rain had started so I rushed to the car as Jim took the last photos.