Tuscany - The Lure Of Lucca...

By Sharon Stajda,

Tuscany is home to the town of Lucca, an exquisite example of Romanesque architecture displayed in all of its glory throughout the town. The cathedrals of San Michele and San Martino is two of the best examples of the Romanesque architecture to be seen in Lucca, or all of Northern Italy for that.

Lucca sits near the Serchio River, about 30 kilometers from Pisa and 80 kilometers from Florence. The town itself rests on a plateau under the watchful gazes of the Apuane Alps. The medieval walls, thick and strong, built in the sixteenth century still surrounds the town and the walkways present on the top of the walls offer an enjoyable opportunity for biking or walking to nearby sights.

The town is full of charming shops and antique markets that offer a variety of unique and interesting items. In fact, the town is sufficiently insulated from the hectic pace of city life, that it provides a restful and peaceful vacation spot.

The superb aromas wafting from the restaurants in Lucca tempt tourists and residents alike. Superb dining is at the end of their search for the perfect cuisine or culinary delight to feed their hunger. One of the best restaurants in Lucca is Ristorante Buca di Sant'Antonio. Make sure to try the faro soup. This is known to be one of the oldest dishes in Italy.

Large villas, nestled in the surrounding hillsides in all of their finery, and amazing gardens beckon too many tourists who visit the area. Some of Italy's finest beaches are less than a half an hour distance away. Nearby is the town of Barga. It is north of Lucca and is a wonderful medieval walled city that is not on the tourist path. Pietrasanta is another small town nearby that is known as the place which Michelangelo came for stone. Today, it remains a place where many artists reside and a continue to craft items from the stone.