November 25, 2024
Many of your first impressions of Tuscany may be from Under the Tuscan Sun a 2003 American romantic comedy-drama starring Diane Lane. Trust me, Tuscany looks even more amazing in person than it does on the silver screen.
A little bit of Italian history. First, Tuscany is not a city, but a providence. There was a time when Italy was divided into 4 Providences: Roma (Rome), Venicia (Venice), Genoa and Pisa. It was not until 1861 when Italy became the country that we know today. Each of the Providences tried to distinguish itself and the Pisan Providence including Tuscany became the center of art, music and literature. No other city in Tuscany represents that distinction as the city of Lucca.
As you drive north toward Lucca, you can see the white outcrops on the distant mountains – the source of the world-famous Italian Carrera marble. Once inside the walled center of Lucca, you slowly walk the narrow streets that follow the original Roman grid street pattern dating from the time of Christ. Every couple of blocks another piazza, another church or another palace.
Inside the Duomo di San Martino, resides the Holy Face of Lucca, considered one of the most famous relics of medieval Europe. The wooden crucifix is said to have been carved by Nicodemus, a contemporary of Jesus. The cathedral dates back to 1063.
Giamoco Puccini, the composer of operas La Bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly and Turandot, is the most famous of a number of composers from Lucca. In recent years the city has hosted musical festivals with stars ranging from Eric Clapton and Tracy Chapman to Santana.
Signs of Christmas were starting to emerge in Lucca. Wooden booths marketed food and gift items in the temporary Christmas market. A large nativity in Piazza Napoleone just opened and a few children took advantage of the colorful and artfully designed merry-go-round.
Lucca is also recognized as a haven of culinary delight. The restaurants look so inviting that you have to go in. Even a quick pizza and a glass of chianti seem more inviting in this environment.
In the 14th Century the powerful families in Lucca lived in beautiful houses. They made their money in banking and the silk trade. On the outskirts of town, we visited such a home, Villas de Lucques. Here are a few photos.
All in all, we had a wonderful time exploring the Providence of Tuscany and in particular the city of Lucca.
Thanks for travelling with us.