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| The Adventure Of Traveling To Lucca |
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| Written by Miles Stoppard |
| Saturday, 14 November 2009 08:38 |
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From the time a person boards the train in Florence for the 70 minutes ride to Lucca, they know that an adventure is afoot. The train travels through the countryside and a person can feel themselves being taken back in time. The view of the Apuane Alps and the fields throughout Tuscany seem to meet in this beautiful Northern location. 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. The entire city has beautiful piazzas and cathedrals that are unique and spectacular to see. One might want to visit the Piazza San Michele that lies at cardo and decumaneus, the Roman junction at the center of the city. This beautiful piazza is home to the San Michele Cathedral that has a marble figure representing a statesmen from when it was built. The piazza is surrounded by medieval buildings and wonderful shops. When one want to try true Lucca treats, the Taddeucci bakery behind the cathedral sells traditional Lucca cakes. At the top of the cathedral, the archangel Michele stands with wings which are mobile. Walking around the back of the cathedral a person can see the stairs that two men must climb with poles to move the angel's wings during events. 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. About the Author: Click here for more information on Tips for Travelling to Lucca and Enjoying Lucca and Tuscany's countryside Courtesy of Hotel Hambros Lucca Kindly provided by MoneyHunter.org You are welcome to use this article on your own website, if you include the link just before this text. |
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