Lucca

[fumobici]

If you find yourself in NW Tuscany I heartily recommend visiting Lucca, a small city situated a bit NE of Pisa in a charming valley. The centro storico is girded by imposing city walls which now are given over to a walking/cycling path along the length.

Let's dive in.






This is piazza Napoleone. I think Napoleane Buonaparte's sister was in charge of the city at one point. Don't quote me though, I'm working from memory here.









Next we come to the duomo, S. Martino. Well worth a few snaps.













Another church:



via Filungo:



Piazza Anfiteatro:





Let's take a stroll around the city walls beginning at piazza S. Maria.


















There were big koi/goldfish in this pond in the orto botanico- I swear.













...and back into the centro.



This is the torre Guinigi, which was closed the days I was there but which is I'm told well worth a visit to the top of for the views.



Osteria Baralla- I highly recommend eating here. Cucina Lucchese ottima.





S. Frediano with its wonderfully mosaiced facade.









Coach rides can be had from the piazza fronting S. Frediano.



Wildflowers growing on the inside verge of the walls.









And so ends our glimpse of Lucca.

[Deleted]

Clearly another great town. I especially like the photo of the sun coming through the doorway, and of course who cannot love a tower with trees growing on top?

I also like the way that S. Martino is "discreetly" ornate. From a distance, you don't see the details, but up close you can really appreciate the artistry of the stonework.

[bixaorellana]

Just beautiful, Fumobici, with that sumptuous golden light, mountain views, and glorious architecture. I love the late light at the apex of the narrow street with the high buildings, the reflections and shadows you caught in several photos, and of course, your great eye for capturing pictures.

The only thing I know about Lucca is its reputation for great olive oil.

From the trees in various photos, I'm inferring that the pictures were taken in the Spring. Was this part of NW Tuscany affected by the rains that recently devastated the Cinque Terre?

[fumobici]

I don't think Lucca got hit too bad, I haven't heard anything at any rate. La Spezia on the coast didn't fare as well, and of course the worst was up in Genova where there were fatalities.

[Deleted]

Indeed, Genoa had major problems... but the French coast was hit almost as hard.

Genoa

[nycgirl]

Wonderful photos, as always. I also love the one with the sunlight coming through the arched doorway and I love the snapshots of people, like the man in the yellow pants who is looking up and taking it all in, and the young woman going by on her bicycle.

[lagatta]

It is a beautiful small city, though I only saw it on a daytrip when living in central Italy. I'd love to spend more time there.

[lugg]

We have an apartment booked for 3 nights that is close ( and hopefully has glimpses of) Torre Guinigi. Planning on renting bikes and travelling the walls at day and night to soak up the atmosphere. Wondering whether to have a couple of hours in Pisa as we arrive which will be our only chance really.

[fumobici]

Pisa is well worth a day I reckon, I thought I'd already done a photo essay on Pisa but it appears I haven't. How would you be arriving into Pisa? A couple of hours would be enough time to walk briskly from the train station (there is metered curb parking nearby if you are driving) through the centro to the duomo and the tower and back, but it'd be rushed. I certainly wouldn't miss the chance if I were there.

[Deleted]

From here I view save one or two (the pond with possible Koi...)
Otherwise, all spectacular and inviting.
Might I ask how were the prices accommodation and dining wise?

[fumobici]

The tourist office by Porta S. Donato found us some decent cheap digs, I'd go there and ask. We only had one proper meal in Lucca, at Osteria Baralla mentioned and recommended above, we'd arrived with lots to eat like sandwiches, fruit, cookies etc. we'd prepared before we left. I'm told there are any number of good restaurants and I'm sure there are, the city has its own distinct cuisine. Osteria Baralla is located in a rather posh shopping area in the centro, but still seemed like good value to us.

[lugg]

We arrive approx. 10 am at Pisa airport so possibly one plan is to get the train into Pisa itself, prior to getting the bus to Lucca leaving us 3 hours or so in Pisa first before travelling on to arrive in Lucca about 5pm . I know that this will not give us a huge amount of time but hopefully get to see the Tower at least. Flight back is mid morning so not really an option on way home. We are travelling light to keep costs down ( no checked luggage) so this will help I guess in terms of quick exit from the airport.

I guess you were there at a similar time to when we plan to go ?-towards end march  the weather looks great  and I hope we have the same luck .

Osteria Baralla- I highly recommend eating here. Cucina Lucchese ottima.

.....Thank you ..Going to seek it out thanks

[lagatta]

I always travel fairly light but find no checked luggage difficult - what to do about sharp things like knives and corkscrews?

[fumobici]

Any discount corner store will have a super cheap corkscrew or knife that can be left behind. I traveled a full month last year using only a carry on and it worked fine although I did quite miss having my Swiss Army Knife which I'd never traveled without.

[lagatta]

Oh, I know I can buy a corkscrew for a € but they are usually proper shit, not to mention doing without a good knife. I chop, slice and cut finely a lot...

[fumobici]

The apartment with kitchen I rented in Paris, the guesthouse I stayed at in Reykjavik with a nice kitchen and of course my parent's house in Italy all had plenty of stuff like knives and corkscrews. I really like staying in places with kitchens in fact.

[lugg]

I much prefer apartments with kitchens too . If not a screw top, or no corkscrew try this , (need a sturdy pair shoes though

www.reshareworthy.com/open-wine-bottle-without-corkscrew/


Does not sort the knife problem though Lagatta

[lagatta]

Oh, I'd find one. I mistrust those alternative solutions.

I far prefer a place with a kitchen, even if it is a little studio with a kitchenette corner. I don't like eating out all the time, and it isn't just a matter of money.

[htmb]

It’s nice to see this report. I have plans to be in Lucca in the spring and am thinking about staying for a few extra days to just relax, chill and explore.

[fumobici]

Lucca could easily occupy a few days exploring. I'd save one or two for nearby Pisa while I was in the neighborhood.

[htmb]

Nov 7, 2021 18:32:13 GMT fumobici said:

Lucca could easily occupy a few days exploring. I'd save one or two for nearby Pisa while I was in the neighborhood.

I might just do that, fumobici, but it will depend on how tired I am of crowds at that point. It does seem it’s easy to catch a quick train or bus from Lucca to Pisa.