Nothing against Pisa, but apart from seeing the Leaning Tower and the surrounding monuments, there isn’t much else to see apart from enjoying the laid back ambience of a smaller city than Florence. Here are six reasons why you should consider visiting Lucca, Italy:
Reason #1:
Lucca is an easy day trip from Pisa or Florence. From the Pisa Centrale station, it’s a mere 25-30 minutes on the regional train to Lucca with trains running approximately every half hour. You can buy your tickets ahead online on Trenitalia, or if you want to meander at your own pace, buy your tickets the day of at the station.
© Lauren White 2019
Reason #2:
You can wander the old city walls which encompass the entirety of the old part of the city. Residents and tourists alike will be found taking in the sites, biking, running, or walking their dogs. I had the magical experience observing an older gentleman cycling with his cat along for the ride *in his bike basket* . It’s a wonderful excuse to get your steps in and enjoy some people watching. In total the ramparts provide a 2.6 mi/ 4.2 km circumference [1].
Reason #3:
Lucca is sometimes called the town of one hundred churches for good reason. It has many beautiful churches and plazas (piazzas) tucked away in its winding streets. I took the organic approach of wandering within the city walls and still managed to stumble across several.
Reason #4:
Climb to the top of Torre Guiligno for views of the entire city. It is easily identifiable because it has trees growing on the top! For my claustrophobic friends, this climb is less physically demanding and less claustrophobia-inducing than the Giotto’s Campanile or the Duomo in Florence.
Reason #5:
Thankfully, when you tire of the walking and climbing, you will have the opportunity to sample the local speciality of bocatelli in one of the local cafés. This local sweet bun has raisins and anise. I was so hungry that I forgot to take a picture before starting to eat mine!
© Lauren White 2019
References: