| Page Views: 5,743 Last Visit to Lucca: May, 2001 | Lucca by deecat - last update: May 14, 2008 |
We stayed six days in Lucca and enjoyed its narrow lanes, medieval buildings, beautiful churches, excellent restaurants, and charming shops.
In San Michele Square, Allan snapped this picture of local children playing with the birds.
San Michele in Foro Church was close to our hotel and was built on the site of the Old Roman Forum. I especially admired the inlaid marble work on the front of the church and its twisted columns.
San Frediano Church was most impressive because of its 13th century mosaics; and, of course, San Martino, Lucca's Duomo is also worthy of a visit. It is dedicated to St. Martin. The front of it has Romanesque sculpture and colonnades.
We also enjoyed walking the wall surrounding the city. They were once ramparts; now they serve as a promenade for walking or cycling. |
Lucca's Palazzo Pfanner One afternoon I spent several hours exploring the elegant Palazzo Pfanner and its lovely gardens. It is an imposing house (villa) with an outside staircase, a collection of lovely 18th & 19th century garments, and fantastic furnishings.
But, the gardens delighted me most. Having been an English teacher for 30+ years [who taught Greek/Roman Mythology], I was so excited when I saw the Baroque Gods/Goddesses from Roman mythology. My favorite statue was entitled "Spring".
What a great way to spend a beauty-filled day in Lucca. |
The Puccini Influence Giacomo Puccini composed some of the world's most popular operas such as La Boheme, and he was born in Lucca.
We stayed in the Piccolo Hotel Puccini near the San Michele Piazza. It is in the heart of Lucca and quite cozy. The man who owns and manages it is delightful.
Our room had two huge windows that looked out onto the Piazza and local shops. Just outside the hotel was the statue of Puccini (picture). Our favorite restaurant in Lucca (and perhaps one of my favorites in Italy) is the Puccini Ristoranti. [which was also across from our hotel.] For more information about this outstanding restaurant, see my restaurant tip. |
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| Pros: | "Walls to walk on, shops to buy in, villas to visit" | | Cons: | "Tourist buses" | | In A Nutshell: | "Historic city with a modern flair" |
deecat's Lucca Travel Tips
 Comments for deecat about Lucca | | | | |
lynnehamman Wed Jun 24, 2009 09:03 UTC
Dee- once more your love for Italy shines through. Lucca looks lovely. Excellent restuarant tips, and Hotel sounds perfect too. Turandot is my favourite opera- would love to see Puccini house. | Yaqui Fri Jun 19, 2009 18:25 UTC
Lucca looks absolutely stunning Dee! I can see why it is a favorite of the tourist buses. Such beauty and history. I would to explore every nook and cranny, which would drive the hubby up the wall..lol! Excellent page Dee! | Mikebond Mon Jun 15, 2009 08:08 UTC
Lucca is one of the Italian towns and cities I must visit... and your page is really well written! Thanks for visiting my Europe page! I'd love to further improve it, so that it may become a top5 page... | jillzi Sat May 23, 2009 21:42 UTC
What wonderful restaurants. Your hotel looks mighty fine. What a luxury to spend 6 days here to absorb the culture and surrounding areas. |
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