“Nel caso di Lucca ci si fierisce quasi sempre, anzi sempre, alla citta definita dall’ambito delle Mura. Perche di essa apprezziao non solo la forma, gli aspetti storici e urbanistici, l’esistenza di monumenti, di beni ed eventi culturali, ma anche la presenza di negozi, di attivita varie, commerciali, degli uffic pubblici e privati; della gente che va e che viene.”
“In the case of Lucca we almost always, indeed always, get to the city defined by the area of the Walls. Because of this it appreciates not only the shape, the historical and urbanistic aspects, the existence of monuments, cultural assets and events, but also the presence of shops, various commercial activities, public and private offices; of the people who come and go.
–Gilberto Bedini, renowned Lucchese architect and urban planner
By Sharon Sanders
Today I am one of the people who come to Lucca and after some days, I’ll depart from Lucca. But the walls encircling the ancient city will remain.
The first defensive walls were built by the Romans. Then came a medieval rendition. The current iteration to protect the city from invaders began construction in the early 1500s and took about a century and a half to complete.
Today the wall protects the Lucchese and visitors from boredom. The entire 2 1/2- mile street atop the bastions is a public park called Passeggiata delle Mura Urbane. Cyclists, dogs walking people, walkers, runners, and nonnas pushing baby carriages can all soak in the views, the trees, the flowers. Caffés, playgrounds and meadows beckon.
I peered onto balconies, gardens, palaces, museums, ruins, main streets, alleyways, and bell towers.
All in a day’s walk in Lucca.
Have you walked the wall in Lucca?
We visited Lucca 4 years ago. But only for the day. Would love to return for an extended visit someday.
Kathy, I think Lucca is waiting for you!