Its Name is Lucca

I wasn't even originally planning to stop by here. Someone I met in Venice mentioned to me how lovely it is there. Upon checking the map, I discovered that it was just twenty minutes away from Pisa. Thus I resolved to check it out on the same day.

Fortunately for me, the trains here are frequent. I was able to arrive here right after Pisa at about 3:30. More than enough time to get a good taste of the city. The first thing that greets you in Lucca are the walls. The entire city is walled off all about the perimeter. There are four gates, and very limited vehicular access. In fact, Lucca is a biking city!

Bikes for rent

I was thrilled with that bit of discovery. Since Spain I've been yearning to bike around a city. Lucca would be just the place for that. Neither too hot, nor too cold I would hop on and relish the wind in my face and the city rushing past.

I started out biking the walls which took me about twenty minutes. That would put the perimeter of the city at about 6km or so. Then I descended and proceeded to navigate the streets. I didn't want to stop every so often just to look at my map. Instead I just trusted my instincts and let me go where my feet (or wheels) would take me.

The bike/jogging path

I got lost a lot, and did run into several dead ends. The alleys did remind me of Venice a bit, just wider and well, no water. While wandering though I was able to stumble upon most of the major landmarks. Several churches, including the cathedral, some lovely piazzas and also the main elliptical square (what?) from which all the other streets radiate from.

The elliptical plaza

I didn't enter any buildings, aside from a couple of churches. I just found it quite refreshing to give my feet and rest and to see a city in a different way. There's nothing quite like it.

A view from the wall