Italy, Lucca, Photography, Travel

European Vacation – September 17/19 – Lucca, Italy (Part 2) – Within the Walls

Today was the 42nd wedding anniversary for my Patty and me. While I had lobbied hard to do a day trip to Florence for this day, we were persuaded to take a look at Lucca and we are glad we did.

Lucca has a long and storied history. It….

  • was founded by the Etruscans
  • has traces of an earlier Ligurian settlement from the 3rd century BC. The settlement was named Luk, meaning marsh and is the origin of the name Lucca
  • became a Roman colony in 180 BC
  • held the Lucca Conference in 58 BC, where Julius Caesar, Pompey and Crassus reaffirmed their political alliance known as the First Triumvirate
  • had Frediano, an Irish Monk as bishop of Lucca in the early 6th century
  • was a center of Jewish life in the 8th to 10th centuries
  • became famous in the silk trade in the 11th century, coming to rival the silks of Byzantium
  • constituted itself as an independent commune with a charter in 1160, remaining an independent republic for almost 500 years
  • was conquered by Napolean in 1805, who then installed his sister, Elisa Bonaparte Bachiocci as Princess of Lucca
  • became a Bourbon-Parma duchy from 1815-1847
  • in 1847, it lost its independence and was annexed by the Grand Duchy of Tuscanny
  • became part of the Kingdom of Sardinnia in 1860
  • became part of the Italian state in 1861

The walls surrounding Lucca remain intact to this day. Originally for defensive purposes, they are now re-purposed as a pedestrian promenade. Population is listed as 89,346 as of 2017.

(Source: Wikipedia)

The city contains many fine churches, palaces and towers as well as a Roman amphitheatre that has been reconstructed into shops and homes. It was a gem to explore and the old city within the walls is perfect for a day trip. Just the right size.

Approaching the city from Lucca station. You can either climb up on the walls or enter through a gate.

Many fine buildings and interesting architectural styles

Lots of shopping and dining opportunities, although the sign in the last slide was unique.

Other interesting details in this very livable city

If we ever travel back to the area, we would consider staying in Lucca. One of the churches hosts opera productions in the evening.

Published by

kagould17

Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement. I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure. I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.

22 thoughts on “European Vacation – September 17/19 – Lucca, Italy (Part 2) – Within the Walls”

  2. It’s so easy to fall in love with the well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling the historic centre and those broad, tree-lined pathways and its cobblestone streets. Truly a great place and a great way to mark your anniversary celebrations. Thanks for sharing and have a good day. Aiva

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  8. Lucca is one of my faviourite places in Italy. I have stayed there a few times and would stay there again. The last time we rented a lovely 2 bedroom apt for 8 days just near Torre Guinigi. I could spend weeks there. Lucca is a perfect gateway to so many wonderful places either by train or road. Lyn

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