Day 12. Lucca

Today we decided to go to the walled city of Lucca for a day of wandering around, rather than visiting museums.  What a nice city it is! Flat enough to make exploring easy by door or by bicycle.  Few enough tourists for you not to be annoyed.  Lots of shops and cafes.  It is obviously a tourist centre, but it is also a functioning area.  It is delightful!

We had heard that the town had 100 churches and there are a lot!  Of all shapes and sizes.  

  There are also a lot of towers ,

 

 

canals with clear fast flowing water,

 charming squares,

fascinating buildings

inspiring gardens

 

 

 and interesting streets.

Dotted around the town are sculptures by Jimenez Deredia:

 Because of the walls surrounding the old town, you can stroll around without a map, confident of not getting lost.  If we return, I think we would explore some of the museums and famous buildings.  After  all, Puccini was born here and there are interesting views from the towers.

We climbed up to the Renaissance city walls which have been transformed from their former military purpose to a pedestrian and bicycle path,

 and a park, with wonderful views of the old city and the city outside the walls which also has some rather marvellous buildings, some so ornate that they resemble wedding cake.  Lucca is really relaxing and enjoyable place to visit!