Architecture and flowered balconies
by micas_pt
I truly enjoyed the architecture in Lucca and wandering around its narrow cobbled streets (which are traffic free fortunately) observing the houses and buildings.
A lot of houses are brownish, reminding the Siena colour, and when the city is seen from a higher point, the orange rooftops outstand, providing a characteristic and friendly tone to Lucca. There are also some buildings colourfully painted when you least expected, creating a nice mixture in my opinion.
Some buildings are very well kept, but not all of them. On my photo is a building which needs some refurbishing but what struck my attention was the lovely flowered balcony. Most houses in Lucca show flowered balconies and windows, providing a joyful look to the medieval city.
Trip to Viareggio
by HORSCHECK
The Tuscan seaside resort Viareggio is located only about 20 mins by train from Lucca. With 10 km of sandy beach and a 3 km long promenade, it is the most important bathing resort of the Tuscany. Among all kinds of summer entertainment it offers a colourful harbour and some worth seeing buildings.
My father and I picked out a...
by sandravdp
My father and I picked out a restaurant in Altopascio (nearby Lucca). It was across the Cavalieri hotel there. We didn't eat in Lucca, because the restaurants at Piazza del Mercato in Lucca were too expensive! Fish dish! Mmm jummy shrimps, marinated mussles, inkfish (octopus) and scampi (lobster). A very good meal! Try Tiramisu for dessert, a kind of honey pudding with whipcream.
A famous symbol, now and then
by Jefie
It's estimated that in the Middle Ages, there were about 250 "tower houses", or torre, in the province of Lucca. These towers can still be found all over Tuscany (the little town of San Gimignano is especially known for its 13 remaining towers) and they were meant to symbolize the wealth and power of their owners. The 44 m tall Torre Guinigi was and still is the most important tower in Lucca, and one of the very few examples left in the region. It was built for the Guinigi family who once ruled over Lucca and defended the city against the Medici of Florence, which helped Lucca retain its independence until the 18th century. The tower has become one of the city's most famous symbols, especially thanks to its rooftop garden that can be seen from all over the city.
Admission to Torre Guinigi costs 3.50 Euros, but it's also possible to buy a combined ticket that gives you access to the Torre delle Ore for 5 Euros. There are 230 steps but they are wide and easy to climb. It can be pretty crowded once you reach the top, but the view of the city and surrounding countryside is spectacular. I thought it was especially interesting to look at the Piazza Anfiteatro from up there, you can really see the round shape of the old Roman Amphitheatre.
THE GREAT WALL OF TUSCANY
by travelgourmet
Whenever walls are thought of, most people may say China has a great wall. Yes, but so does Italy. Lucca, has had a wall since the Roman times and has been updated and reinforced throughout history. Standing 40' high and 60' wide, enclosing the city with a circular 3 miles of a parkland path.
Today, it offers locals and tourists alike the fun way to see Lucca. You can walk, jog, run, bike, and even rollerskate this fabulous wall. When visiting Lucca, it is a must thing to do. The view of gardens on patios, the church bell towers, the winding streets, and the beauty of the buildings all take on a special feel from on high. The best part is that there are paths, not stairs, that you can walk to get to the top. A tourist treat when visiting Lucca.
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Church of San Paolino
More of the interior
The symbolic and mysterious labyrinth.
Villa Torrigiani
