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Lucca, once a
famous center for silk
and for the shrewdness
of its bankers,
the walled City of Lucca
was once a Roman town.
A walk along the
medieval
Via Fillungo
main axis of the
historic core, the Tower
of the Clock, amidst
ancient palaces, to
reach the
Roman Amphitheatre.
The
Duomo “San Martin”,
with the story of the
Holy Face and the
Church of “ San Michele”,
where the ancient Roman
forum used to be.
A visit to “Puccini’s
House”. From the 11th to
the 13th centuries.
The walled city of
Lucca, once a Roman
town, was known as a
famous center for silk
aswell as for the acumen
of its bankers. Lucca is
definitely a gem of a
city, very compact and
in fact, it has barred
all traffic from
entering its hallowed
fortress.
Therefore, the Lucchese
ride bikes, which means
that we will have the
perfect walking tour.
Our trek in this nice
and lovely city takes us
along the Medieval Via
Fillungo, which is the
main axis of the
historic core; the Tower
of the Clock; and amidst
the ancient palace where
we will reach the Roman
Amphitheater.
Other highlights
include: the Duomo San
Martin and the “Volto
Santo,” the “Holy Face,”
a venerated wooden
crucifix inside a
free-standing Carrara
marble chapel and the
Church of San Michele,
which at one time was
home to an ancient Roman
forum.
Since Lucca is the
birthplace of the
renowned Giacomo
Puccini, our tour would
not be complete without
a visit to “Casa Natale
Di Puccini,” Puccini’s
house, which is an
excellent example of a
15th century townhouse.
Pisa’s maritime
power ensured the
dominance over the
Western Mediterranean
area. Port of departure
of the crusaders, see
Piazza dei Cavalieri,
it acquired many
privileges in trading
with the middle east
from 1100.
The City’s wealth is
reflected in the unique
Cathedral square, with
the celebrated Leaning
Tower, the majesty of
the Cemetery and the
austerity of the
Baptistery.
If we were taking this
tour back in the mid
1300’s we would have
been able to visit the
famous Galileo, who was
teaching Physics at
Pisa’s university, which
by the way is the
oldest, dating back to
1343. Today, Pisa still
maintains a very strong
academic tradition
because of this founding
father of academics.
Pisa is very accessible,
making it easy for us to
walk its narrow streets
and discover quaint
markets, which truly
define the city’s
one-of-a-kind ambiance
and character. |
