Lucca

Lucca is a wonderful day trip from Pisa. Far less well known, but just a perfect small-ish town in which to spend a day, with plenty to see.

We parked on a street a little outside the old town walls and walked in - one modern church to admire on the way

First up we decided to walk around on the city walls. Unlike most cities this is very possible. The city walls have in effect been converted into a park - a sort of green ring road for pedestrians and cyclists - offering views both inside and outside. Just a very nice way to spend an hour. 

Palazzo Pfanner - more later

Basilica of San Frediano

Below is the walkway around the walls - as you can see pretty extensive. No problem in social distancing on the walls!

And then we came down and wandered around the old city proper.

San Giusto

Basilica of San Frediano

We just had to take the opportunity to scale the bell tower for more views of the city from a higher viewpoint than the battlements had offered.

Guinigi Tower

No bell tower is complete without its bells...

The Basilica was surprisingly bright and airy.

Christ's" absolutely fabulous boys" moment

And here is the interior of San Giusto. Which also has extensive remains on show from its previous incarnations.

But the highlight of the day for me was visiting the wonderful Palazzo Pfanner - a 17th century palace with 18th century gardens behind it.

Superb grand staircase

While the interior of the palace is nice enough, it is the gardens that are the real joy. I could have happily spent an afternoon here just sitting and enjoying the surroundings.

The main square is the spacious Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, a square based on the old Roman amphitheatre. That has long gone - just its shape remains in the geometry of the Piazza.

Having enjoyed the town, Thibault then wanted to get in a hike. This involved walking up and down the 19th century aqueduct. Unfortunately I hadn't realised this was his plan, or else I would have worn trainers rather than sandals. The whole length of this edifice was covered in coarse gravel which did not mix well with sandals. I endlessly needed to stop to remove bits of sharp stone and by the end my feet were covered in blisters.

But blisters aside, if you ever get the chance to visit Lucca, grasp it. Beautiful place and a great day trip.