A nice evening in Lucca

Yesterday afternoon we made our way to the lovely walled city of Lucca and really had a great time!
We had the little Kira with us so we just had a wonderful walk along the ancient and magnificent walls and fortifications all surrounding the historical center. If you have no dogs with you I highly suggest renting a bicycle and explore every single corner of this lovely town.

Lucca is very near Pisa and is well worth an overnight stay or a day trip from Florence, only at one hour’s distance. It’s a very quiet and charming place, perfect to have a relaxing time, so full of beautiful Romanesque churches, medieval towers, and fascinating squares, and also offering very good restaurants and wonderful and particular shops!

After strolling on the panoramic walls, that offer a nice and different view over the town, we accessed the historical center and wandered through the many narrow streets and Renaissance buildings, until we reached Piazza Anfiteatro, a unique square with circular shape, built over the ancient Roman arena, and characterized by nice bars and amazing shops, especially the ones dedicated to home and kitchen accessories.

After some good and satisfying shopping, we were ready for dinner time!

We are used to dine at Gli Orti di Via Elisa restaurant, serving many delicious local specialties and serving what is the best home made bread I’ve ever tasted! All dishes are prepared with the great local food, also coming from the near Garfagnana region; you should definitely try the zuppa di farro, the terrina di caciotta, and the buccellato cake! Kira was very happy as well 🙂

While there we also learned that the birthplace of the great Italian composer Giacomo Puccini in Lucca, reopens its doors to visitors from all over the world this upcoming September 13, 2011. We’ll not miss the event.

For more information have a look here: “The Maestro comes back home”

We couldn’t end the day in a better way! 🙂