This is the fourth part of my Tuscany trip in Italy from 2011. Yes, going back in time, but I'm sure given that Lucca has been around since 3rd century BC, it wouldn't have changed much over the past decade.
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro
This is the oldest square in Lucca and dates back to the 1st century. It has a unique elliptical shape which you can't see very well here as I have crap photography skills back in those days (still do, to be honest), but you sort of get the idea that it is neither a square nor a circular plaza. Back in those days, it was a Roman amphitheater and major games and events were held here. The piazza looked a little sad when I was here, as it was November, and despite the sun being out, only a handful of shops and restaurants were open. I could sort of imagine how busy and vibrant this atmosphere would in summer, but I didn't mind practically having the whole place to myself during my visit.
I walked around, and behind the piazza, down the little alley ways and small courtyards at the back. Life was quiet here, I remember and there didn't seem to be many people around. Certainly the size of the public transport seem to reflect this. Look how cute the orange bus is!!!
Guinigi Tower
This is without a doubt the structure I find most fascinating at Lucca. I spotted the oak trees on top of the tower from afar. To be honest, you really can't miss it. I first saw it, I thought how odd it is for such massive trees to be grown on the top of a tall tower! If there were no trees, I'd probably think of it as just any another tower, like the ones at San Gimignano. When I came out from Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, there it was in front of me. Of course, in my typical travel fashion, I hadn't done much research before my trip and I didn't know the significance of Guinigi Tower.
Guinigi tower was built by rich silk merchants in the late 14th century. Those were turbulent times, power fights between wealthy families, plagues, political battles all made it necessary for one to build defensive towers. At the height, there were 250 defensives towers in the area, today, only 9 remain. Had I known I could have climbed 230 steps up the 45 meters tall tower built over 700 hundred years ago, I definitely would have done that! I've been to a few rooftop gardens before, but never a medieval one built in the 14th century. Too bad I missed the opportunity.
Chiesa di San Michele in Foro
This is a real gem in Lucca, and without a doubt my favourite structure in the city. Alexander Pope II ordered the church to be built in 1070 and the stunning facade was built later on in the 13th century. What is so remarkable about the facade is the workmanship and artwork, making it undoubtedly the most popular attraction in Lucca.
Each of the columns and arches at the top section depicts different artwork and possibly Saints(?), each a beauty in itself. By contrast, the bottom section isn't as elaborate, yet it's simplicity and elegance makes it stand out nonetheless. It's like looking at a sexy pair of legs (three pairs in this case) that draws your eyes up to a beautiful body, and then further above to the stunning face, the statue of St. Michael the Archangel.
Hidden behind the stunning facade is the bell tower. Had it not been for the facade, this would have been another beauty in itself. It seems that this is often overlooked, a bit like when you have a much more beautiful sister that always gets all the attention. Don't you just hate that!!!
Lucca Cathedral
It's 5.30 late afternoon. I can't remember why I was still at Lucca so late in the day. Normally I would leave an unfamiliar place during the daytime, especially when I'm in a foreign country. Anyway, this was my last stop at Lucca and that's why the images are a bit blurry.
This is Lucca Cathedral and dates back to the 11th century. It was built next to the bell tower that was already there, and that's why it looks like the right side of the cathedral has been chopped off. If you look carefully, you'll notice the arch on the right hand side is smaller than the other two, and the top section of the cathedral is off center towards the right. I wonder why they didn't just make all the arches a bit smaller so they can balance everything to the center. Weird.....
Anyway, this brings me to the end of my tour around Lucca during my Tuscany trip. Previously, I've already written about Siena , Florence and San Gimignano. Next up will be either Pisa or San Miniato where I went to a truffle festival. Preference anyone?
