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The International Festival of Photography was the excuse to return to Lucca, a lovely city in Tuscany, Italy.
The territory of Lucca offers a lot of reasons to visit it: wonderful monuments and churches, a beautiful scenery, excellent food and wine … and then there’s also the mysterious Lucca, populated by ancient beliefs and magic symbols. Lucca is really close to Pisa (25 km) and Florence (about 80km).
Lucca has an extraordinary energy, it’s beautiful to stroll through its narrow streets with no particular destination. And do not worry though at every step there is a historical monument to be seen … Lucca was nicknamed the city of 100 churches.
The “old town” of Lucca is gathered within the perfectly conserved medieval walls. The walls are the symbol of the city and it seemed to me that they contain and protect a magical world.
The walls of Lucca -raised between 1504 and 1654 – have been turned into pedestrian promenade, offering the chance to admire the monuments and the city. Even if you are not cyclists, the ride on the walls is very pleasant. And to hire a bike is really easy and cheap.
The walls of Lucca are perfect for a promenade
The walls of Lucca
"L'antico caffè delle mura"
Having a bike ride on Lucca's walls is a "not to miss" experience
Lucca's walls
Once upon a time:) there were nearly 130 towers in Lucca, now they are 2 important: the Tower of the Hours and the Guinigi Tower. Guinigi Tower is really unique: on the top of the tower are planted oaks that dominate the city and the terrace has a panoramic view. Going up the tower seems to enter the kingdom of spirits and mysterious beings. Also worth seeing Palazzo Guinigi.
"Torre Guinigi" Tower
"Torre Guinigi"
Inside the "Torre Guinigi"
Inside Torre Guinigi
Panoramic view form the top of Guinigi Tower
Panoramic view from Guinigi Tower
The square “Piazza dell’Anfiteatro” is really peculiar with its elliptical shape and the 4 doors to enter. I think it is one of the most picturesque squares in Tuscany and Italy. Although located in the center of the city is always very quiet … it seems to be in the magical center of the world.
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro by night
Lucca is a city with a lovely atmosphere and rich in churches and monuments.
Il Duomo di San Martino - view from the city walls
S. Michele church
San Frediano church
And some glimpses of Lucca.
If you’re interested in photography do not miss Lucca Digital Photo Festival, it’s full of interesting exhibitions staged in very special and evocative locations: from Renaissance villas and palaces to those in former industrial locations. The Festival of photography is organized every year in the period from November to December.
Photography exibition at Baluardo San Colombano
Photography exhibition in at the medieval Baluardo San Colombano
Villa Bottini
Ex manifattura Tabacchi
Baluardo San Regolo
The typical Tuscan products are known for their excellence: Tuscan bread, Tuscan olive oil chestnuts, Tuscan red wine-the most famous is the Chianti-, cheese. The excellent “chianina” meat is perfect for the Florentine steak. There are so many products typical of the Lucca, you could visit it just to make a Gourmet tour. As for the typical Lucca sweets here they are: Tuscan “Buccellato”, “Zuppa Lucchese”, “castagnaccio”, “Brigidini di Lamporecchio”.
The Fillungo street is the reference point for shopping, with many shops but also churches and monuments.
Traditional Tuscany sweets
Il Taddeucci: the bakery is famous for Buccellato
"Zuppa lucchese" typical Lucca dessert
Chocolate
Walking in Lucca you could meet Pinocchio 
as he a constant presence in Lucca. Collodi, Pinocchio’s “father”, was born nearby. 30 km from Lucca there’s also lovely park dedicated to Pinocchio. The surroundings of Lucca are full of charm: the strange Devil’s Bridge, the elegant Renaissance villas, the Pinocchio Park, the picturesque town of Barga … about them in the next post.
Meeting Pinocchio
And yes, Michi my funny traveller dog accompanied me to Lucca. More photos with Michi and travel tips about travelling with dogs in a post coming soon.
Michi
Tips about visting Lucca:
More photos from Tuscany Italy on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ancutza/sets/72157622844104318/
What to visit around Lucca in Tuscany Italy
(my posts)
Barga, a fascinating medieval rock village
Devil’s Bridge in Tuscany
Pinocchio Park, a beautiful place for children and adults
Site about tourism in Tuscany, with photos and infos:
http://www.turismo.intoscana.it/intoscana2/export/TurismoRTen/index.html
Lucca Digital Photo Festival:
http://www.luccadigitalphotofest.it/index.php?lang=en
Lucca comics and games Festival:
http://www.luccacomicsandgames.com/index.php?id=17
