Back on a frosty morning at the end of December 2019, we spend a few hours wandering through the narrow streets of Lucca in Tuscany. In stark contrast to Florence, apart from a local running race taking place, it felt like we had the whole city to ourselves.
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Lucca is famous for its intact Renaissance-era city walls which encircle the old town. Initially built as a defensive rampart, they are now a pedestrian promenade.
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The highlight of the day was climbing the 45-meter high Guinigi Tower. The views from the top were simply breathtaking and we found ourselves daydreaming of living in medieval times. It’s astounding that so much has survived.
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The tower dates from the 1300s when a number of wealthy families were building bell towers within the walls of Lucca as status symbols. It is known for the holm oaks growing on top of the tower – a kitchen was originally on the floor below with the rooftop serving as a kitchen garden.
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We only had a couple of hours to explore Lucca but undoubtedly you could spend a whole day or more here. If I have another chance to visit Tuscany, I would stick to places like this rather than the big tourist traps.
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