Italy, Tuscany Triangle

When I woke up and looked out the window I saw the fantastic view on the tile roofs of the small town, surrounded by the low mountains. Everything was covered with a light mist. At that moment I realized that I have chosen the right place to stay. In fact, I have been looking for this scenery throughout the many years.

Bagni di Lucca is the first stop of my trip around Tuscany. Actually, there will be three main stops in different locations in this area. In fact, initially I have booked only one unique place for staying, but suddenly I realized that there was no public transport at all, and without a car it would be a problem in getting around. So, I had to cancel my reservation in haste and find other places, more accessible. The main criteria was the walking distance to a train station. So, I am going to halt at Bagni di Lucca, Empoli and Incisa. Figuratively, these are three pivots, three vertexes of the 'Tuscany Triangle'.

Well, Bagni di Lucca is nestled at the foot of the Apennine mountain range. Historically, the area of Bagni di Lucca is famous for its thermal waters with their healing and regenerative properties. It became extremely popular among aristocracy and famous people during the 19th century, probably because of the fact that the first licensed casino was opened here in 1837. It is noteworthy, that this place was visited by such outstanding personalities as Shelley, Byron and Puccini. However, these days it is a quiet town, where you may find peace and rest among the gorgeous hills.

I have made a small walking around the area and eventually reached the train station. I did not want to turn back, so I decided to visit the nearby city of Lucca.

The cashier is not available at the station, so there is only machine ticket which accepts only coins. Unfortunately, I did not have enough coins. Just my luck! At least I could buy a single ticket on the website trenitalia.it for 3.60 euro. The rules states that I would need to present my ID to confirm the right of using the electronic ticket. I have left the passport at home, but I hope that the plastic card, which I used for the payment, would save the situation.

I have arrived to Lucca, and nobody asked for my ticket.

Well, the ancient city of Lucca is primarily known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city center. And nowadays it is inhabited by 90000 people.
Among famous personalities, which made the city even more popular, is the world-renowned Italian opera composer, Giacomo Puccini, who was born in this city.
Another peculiar fact is that Lucca remained an independent city state until the end of the 18th century.

Of course, the city has expanded and modernized since the Medieval times, but the major tourist destinations remained 'untouched' inside the walled old city. Once the city was nicknamed as 'the city with 100 churches', so there is evidently something to observe here.

In the old days Lucca was home to many tall towers. As a matter of fact, they counted as many as 250 defensive tower houses. Those towers were built during the era when Italy was full of mercenaries and political upheaval. They were not only the wealth indicators, but they also served as the hideaways in plague years. Still, only a few towers remained today, and only two of them can be climbed onto.

Actually, I have visited only one tower, which was built in the second half of the fourteenth century by the Guinigis. The height of the Guinigi Tower is 45 meters, and it has in total 232 steps to reach the top (what is interesting is that the original stairs were on the outside).
What makes the Torre Guinigi so fascinating is that you can find oak trees sprouting from the roof of the red brick tower. The Guinigi family planned this garden to represent rebirth and renewal.

Another tower, which I have not visited, is called Torre delle Ore or the Clock Tower, and it is 50 metres high. It has survived so long due to the fact that it has had the clock since 1390.

The San Michele church with its magnificent and very high marble facade is considered to be one of the most frequented and enchanting tourist attractions in Lucca. The church was built over the ancient Roman forum, but today's look it obtained as the result of the 11th century reconstruction ordered by Pope Alexander. 

The summit of the church are flanked by the statues of two angels and the 4 meter tall statue of the St. Michael the Archangel, which is positioned in the center of the church structure. Obviously, the statue was created and placed on the top of the church to indicate that it is devoted to the Archangel.

One of the largest supermarket chains in Italy is Conad. I entered one of these shops to buy a bottle of water and glanced at the prices for one of such popular items as olive oil. In fact, the prices for oil in Russia would be doubled in comparison with this supermarket. So, it can be a good idea to buy several bottles if you have enough space in your baggage. Unfortunately, I cannot afford buying anything, because I am travelling with hand luggage.

I returned in Bagni Di Lucca before the sunset. So, I had some time left to observe this place and locate some new sights.