Lucca – Walk About Town
Lisa arranged for another wonderful local guide, to take us around to some of the highlights of Lucca and tell us about its history. Giancarlo's commentary was far more entertaining than the sights! Apparently Lucca has remained essentially unconquered, unknown, prosperous, and very pleased with itself for more than 2000 years. Even when shows are filmed here, however (e.g., Who do You Think You Are with Susan Sarandon and something with Nicole Kidman), the plot names the place as Florence. as the producers don't think that American viewers would have heard of Lucca but have heard of Florence. In the Middle Ages, Lucca's prosperity came from commerce and weaving silk. They are most competitive with Pisa and Florence, and were protected not by their 2 1/2 miles of walls but by sucking up to Charles V who ensured that the Florentines left them alone. Within the walls, there are 50 churches today, and were 100 at one point. Apparently, as crusaders and other wealthy nobles passed through they would shower the Luccese with gold to build a church in the name of their favorite saint to provide a resting place for pilgrims passing through. In my favorite church, there is a lovely Madonna carved out of wood and painted. It is my favorite of all those I’ve seen (and I’ve seen a LOT of Mary’s on this trip!) - - it shows a real person with character rather than the typical bland sweetness.
Lisa arranged for another wonderful local guide, to take us around to some of the highlights of Lucca and tell us about its history. Giancarlo's commentary was far more entertaining than the sights! Apparently Lucca has remained essentially unconquered, unknown, prosperous, and very pleased with itself for more than 2000 years. Even when shows are filmed here, however (e.g., Who do You Think You Are with Susan Sarandon and something with Nicole Kidman), the plot names the place as Florence. as the producers don't think that American viewers would have heard of Lucca but have heard of Florence. In the Middle Ages, Lucca's prosperity came from commerce and weaving silk. They are most competitive with Pisa and Florence, and were protected not by their 2 1/2 miles of walls but by sucking up to Charles V who ensured that the Florentines left them alone. Within the walls, there are 50 churches today, and were 100 at one point. Apparently, as crusaders and other wealthy nobles passed through they would shower the Luccese with gold to build a church in the name of their favorite saint to provide a resting place for pilgrims passing through. In my favorite church, there is a lovely Madonna carved out of wood and painted. It is my favorite of all those I’ve seen (and I’ve seen a LOT of Mary’s on this trip!) - - it shows a real person with character rather than the typical bland sweetness.
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