~ I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world ~ Mary Anne Radmacher
Oh how absolutely true, I am not the same having seen the moon in Lucca. It has stolen my heart. I don’t even recall how or why Kailee (my oldest daughter, who was living in Rome) and I stumbled across this gem in Tuscany. On our first trip in December 2019, Kailee and I spent about 10 days exploring from London to Lucca (before the rest of the family joined us). So, we flew from London to Venice (because the flights were only 30 euros). We spent a quick night in Venice, at a beautiful hostel and headed out first thing the next am to Lucca. We absolutely will be returning to Venice to truly appreciate that beautiful place… Ok, back to Lucca.
Lucca, Italy is without a doubt a must see on your Italian trip. It is in the Tuscany region. It was founded by the Etruscans and became a Roman colony in 180 BC. What you’ll find most amazing is Lucca’s Renaissance- era medieval city walls that are still intact today. It now offers a perfect pedestrian promenade. These city walls are 4 kilometers long and they surround the entire city. It’s a great way to go for a walk, bike ride or casually sit on one of the benches and take in the amazing views.
According to Wikipedia: “At the Lucca Conference, in 56 BC, Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus reaffirmed their political alliance known as the First Triumvirate.”
Lucca is known as “The city of 100 churches”. There is a church for all era’s; Renaissance, Gothic, Medieval and Roman periods. The church of San Michele in Foro, A Roman Catholic Basilica. On the summit, flanked by two angels is a 4-m tall statue of St. Michael the Archangel. This church was first mentioned in 795 and rebuilt after 1070. It is located in the Piazza San Michele. We sat at night along the edge of this beautiful church and enjoyed gelato amongst the locals. This is a perfect location for dinner, dessert or a cup of cappuccino. It’s a bustling piazza and a great place to people watch.
The other main location within the medieval walls is ~ The Piazza Anfiteatro. This more circular square is one of the most iconic locations. It was the ancient amphitheatre during the 1st-2nd century BC, holding 10,000 spectators. Present day, it’s an urban square surrounded by private residences lined with shops and restaurants. It’s a great spot to take in the atmosphere. What we found to be so appealing about Lucca, especially during the Christmas season was the shopping. Within the city walls are cobblestone streets full of one of a kind merchants with homemade gifts to purchase. My favorite was a hand painted Christmas ornament. Here you’ll also find shops like, Sephora and others you’ll know and want to pop into. My absolute favorite shop in Lucca was Cas Antica. It is everything you’ll ever dream of in your “French – Italian country” home. I wanted everything and I mean everything! I actually asked if I could ship a light to America lol. The city is full of quaint shops like this one. You’ll find that perfect gift for someone special.
We stayed in 2 places while visiting Lucca. The first was a bed & breakfast ~ Stella. It was about a 20 minute walk to the city center. We had no car and the walk wasn’t bad at all. It’s easily done and Kailee and I felt very safe, even walking at night. The B&B was great because it was clean and in a great location. It was very affordable and offered a voucher (I believe 4,50 euros) to use daily next door at the bakery. Each night we stayed we were given a voucher. We’d get up, walk over to the bakery and have enough for breakfast and a sandwich to go (for lunch later). I’ll attach the link below. There was a common kitchen area with tea, coffee, sink and fridge. I highly recommend this B&B if you’re in Lucca. Also to note *If you are a single female traveler, this location is great. You’ll feel safe and relaxed.
I was thinking about my favorite photo and memory while staying at the B&B. Each morning, Kailee and I would walk over to the bakery and grab our breakfast and sandwich for lunch. This tiny adorable Italian man rode his bike over to the bakery. I saw him coming in and told Kailee “don’t look now, but OMG”. He was so flipping adorable. He couldn’t have been 5′ tall and went up to order his pastry. I had to discreetly snap a photo because I fell in love with this little old man. He sat in silence, helmet still on his head and enjoyed his pastry all by himself. Don’t you just love him!! I wanted to know his story. Did his wife pass or was he ever even married? Maybe he likes his pastries alone lol. Why was he alone? Why is he so little lol. I loved him. I wanted to take him home with me, but not in a creepy way lol.
The 2nd place, the Airbnb we stayed in is a must! I was really sick while we were there. I left the USA with double ear infections and bronchitis. Leaving Venice it was freezing rain and snow. It was nasty and arriving in Lucca it wasn’t that much better, but we still enjoyed every moment. It had the most incredible rooftop deck. As charming as this apartment was, you must be able to climb – God, I think 100 steps! It’s definitely a hike. There is no lift in the building. But, if you are able to climb stairs, this is the place to stay in Lucca. But….once you climb the stairs to the actual apartment, you’re not done. The 2 bedrooms are up another flight of stairs. Then if you choose to continue to the rooftop deck, yet another final flight. What you’ll gain from staying here besides buff thighs, is a tranquil place to call ‘home” while visiting this beautiful medieval city. There is a restaurant out the bedroom window in one of the alley’s and it was kind of loud late at night. We found this to be in many locations. The photo below is the restaurant. We found this in many locations, it’s just part of staying within a city center. Link below.
https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/25713722
What I loved most about this city was the feeling. You can walk around just sightseeing. I spent time just admiring the ancient doors, the dark colors, tones and all the details. The architecture all around is so beautiful. The buildings are all so pretty and the shops are plentiful. Everything is so preserved and well kept. It is truly a photogenic city. It will leave a lasting impression on you. While out and about window shopping, Kailee and I saw this beautiful green coat. It stopped me in my tracks and I had to go inside. Once I saw the price tag of 65,00 euros ~ I absolutely loved it even more. Yes I purchased it.
Kailee and I spent 4 awesome days in Lucca, while staying in 2 different spots. One was outside the medieval walls and the other was inside the city center. This gave us such a great perspective of the city. We covered so much territory on foot and got to really explore. We loved it so much that once the rest of the family arrived, we took the train back for an evening. It happened to be the “Year of Music” while there in 2019. The city had christmas lights strung throughout and large musical ornaments, it was truly beautiful. It was special because both my twin daughters, Ashtyn and Brett were part of their high school advanced show choir, it made for a lovely memory.
Lucca would be an ideal destination if you’re looking for a weekend getaway from Rome. If you’re not up to driving, you can take the train. The walk from the train station is not bad at all either. From the station to the city walls it’s about a 10 min walk. When Kailee and I arrived, we were headed to Stella B&B. From the train station with our suitcases it was a bit of a walk. Once we arrived to the B&B as I said above, the walk to the center wasn’t bad. I did have a complete meltdown the morning we left Lucca headed to the train station. It was wicked early, like 4:30 am and we had to walk with bags in tow. I was wicked sick still. Still recovering from numerous vascular surgeries and feeling awfully sick……… I lost it. Right there in the pedestrian promenade, I lost it. We got lost a few times, everything was hurting, I had a fever and I was done! I still don’t know how we found the flipping train station on time! But, we did. It’s funny, you can look back on memories and that was definitely one of the worst. It was before Mike arrived and I was completely run down. Yet, it was in my favorite location ~ Lucca. So, I look back on that meltdown and smile recalling everything I LOVE about Lucca. Rather than the scene I made having my adult temper tantrum that early December morning.
Enjoy some photos from December 2019. We can’t wait to return…..lol. The kids all told me to stop saying “Lucca”. I loved it so much, I came home talking about it and apparently annoyed the crap out of them. Funny story…..after we purchased our home in Italy, Mike and I got a ding dong on the door one night. It was our very first neighbor in our village. He was bringing us over olive oil from our region. He introduced himself and said “hello, my name is Luca”. Of course I had to call home and tell everyone and tell them it was a sign ….that we return to Lucca.
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Add Lucca to your Italian itinerary. While there make sure to hit Pisa too!! If you find yourself in Florence, take a quick train ride and enjoy the afternoon or evening stroll. A “passeggiata”. This was my first introduction to this ritual. As evening falls and the golden Italian sun inches out over your favorite piazza, the evening ritual begins. I most adore watching the older men walk, arms grapsed behind their backs as they slowly stroll and enjoy ~ La Dolce Vita.
~Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell ~
Lucca, Italy ~ I can’t wait to return. Blessed is she.