Lucca

Lucca - It doesn't just rain - it pours!
Up early for a busy day. Travelled to Lucca for a side trip, with train changes at La Spezia and Viareggio.
Judith and I came here in Dec 2019, but keen to see it in Spring weather ( so much for that plan!)
We entered the city through one of its impressive gates in the huge walls that surround the city and walked on the beautiful passegiata on top of the walls for a little way but heavy rain forced us down to find shelter. Judith and I were keen to see the Botanic Gardens which did look beautiful through the gate but too wet to enjoy. So we wandered the tiny streets making our way to the Torre Guinigi - tallest tower in Lucca and which has trees growing on top of it! The 230 steps were worth it for the incredible views and the lovely tiny Grove of trees! And luckily there was a brief break in the rain.
We met Derek in Piazza San Michele were we stopped at a cafe for lunch - inside for warmth and to get a bit dry!
Then off to the amphitheatre- which was the Roman colusseum now a courtyard of cafes and shops. Another downpour forced us to stop at a Cafe for an after lunch glass of wine ( no other option!).
Then it was back to the station for our train to Genova ( just one change this time).
Arrived at 7 ish and after negotiating the metro and apparent maze of streets (Google not very good un these areas!) We made it to our beautiful apartment with windows looking onto a courtyard and a beautiful tower and church.En savoir plus