We hopped a train to Pisa and walked about the old walled portion to the city. There was a beautiful church, Santa Maria Della Spina, right on the Arno River.
The highlight, of course, is Campo Dei Miracoli or the Field of Miracles; this is where we find the leaning Tower of Pisa, a Duomo (cathedral), baptistery, and other beautiful things.
After Pisa, we took a train to Lucca and got a nice view of snow-capped mountains from the train window. Lucca is one of the best preserved, walled medieval cities in Europe, with its wonderful narrow stone streets and many buildings remaining from that era. Our walk began as we entered through the city walls.
We walked around San Martino Lucca’s cathedral that dates to 11th century.
San Giovanni, the 12th century church with 16th century facade.
We made our way through the narrow streets to Piazza Napoleone. Napoleon’s sister was the ruler of Lucca from 1805-1815. We continued to Palazzo Ducale and then Piazza San Michele and church San Michele in Foro. As the name suggests the church stands on the site of ancient Roman forum.
We walked another narrow street to see the birth place of Giacomo Puccini.
We passed by a medieval tower which dominated the street which is no more than 10 feet wide.
We took the train back to Florence where we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Il Latini. It was a bit awkward at first because you don’t get a table to yourself, but the staff and food more than make up for it. We had 3 of the best soups you can imagine, and then Richard let everyone see something special as he downed Bistecca alla Fiorentina (a 32oz steak) and then had dessert. Dessert was a chocolate cake (or pie) and was one of the top 10 things we ever tried. We were also treated to cantucci - traditional Florentine desert and a fantastic white desert wine, compliments of the house. There was a lovely French couple sitting next to us, and that added really nice conversation to the evening. It seemed not to matter how long we were there, as the staff did nothing to rush us. It was a truly wonderful day.
