Lucca, Tuscany

On 16 May, after visiting the birth place of Da Vinci, we drove 55 Km westward for Lucca. Lucca is an ancient and medieval town first founded by the Romans in 180 BC. Julius Caesar, Pompey and Crassus once met here in 56 BC to affirm their political alliance.

Lucca is famous for its Renaissance-era walls first built by the Romans. By the 11th to 12th century, a second set of wall was built integrating with the original old wall. The top of the wall is now popular among pedestrians and cyclists.

On top of the old wall. Caught a glimpse of the bell tower of San Martino, the famous Lucca Cathedral

Lucca is also a one of the main cities of Arts and sometimes being referred to as the "City of 100 Churches".  The fortified wall had managed to preserved many of the medieval churches, towers, bell towers and palaces of great beauty and elegance.

San Michele in Foro, a Roman Catholic Basilica Church.

Basilica of San Frediano, a Church of Romanesque
design and named after the Bishop of Lucca
of the first half of the 6th century.

We did liked what all visitors do. We walked around the old streets and alleyways of this historic city centre to get a feel of the ambient and spirits inherited from those yesteryears.

Old tinny shops packed with all kinds of mercantile, baked goods, souvenirs.........

The tour of Lucca ended with a late lunch at Buca di Sant' Antonio, reckoned to be one of the best restaurants in Lucca.