Is it possible to see and taste Lucca in just one day? No need to say that Lucca, the city of a hundred and one churches, cannot be discovered in one day. We nevertheless take on the challenge with a selection of highlights. With Michelin (travel guide) at hand, we can still taste the essence of a vibrant city and catch a glimpse of many imposing palazzi.
We start at Porta San Donato. Triumphantly we stroll a quarter round on the shady medieval ramparts of the once impregnable fortified city. Bastions that offer a beautiful view from above are silent witnesses of turbulent and uncertain times. "A place to be and to see". Inspired by the past of power and wealth, we dive into the city like many history buffs.
Lucca was built to a medieval plan and much of its architecture bears witness to the different historical eras it has gone through and made this city what it is today.
From one highlight to the next we experience the most interesting highlights, including the Duomo di San Martino, whose Romanesque facade is the eye-catcher, and the Roman amphitheater on Piazza dell'Anfiteatro. “Panem et circenses” or "bread and circuses" can still be taken literally here today. In playful ways, waiters try to win over guests to their establishment. Street artists go into battle with each other to get a penny in 'their' pocket. Nice spectacle to look at and compare, but in the end we prefer our present and daily bread in other places.
With enough imagination you can spend a whole day wandering through the city center along the many squares, humble 😉 sacred houses and lavish city palaces. Many other sights can be found in the created highlights.
Lucca, 'a place to be and to see' can be taken literally. This could be your date with history. Taste and enjoy...