European Adventure 2013

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The rain had cleared overnight. This weekend there were planned celebrations for the 500^th anniversary of the building and unlocking of the walls around Lucca. All events yesterday were cancelled due to the weather but no problems today so we headed to the Porta St. Maria to catch all the action. It was a very colourful scene with bands of drummers and trumpeters followed by flag carriers, archers and assorted folk dressed in mediaeval costume. They came from various parts of the town and assembled at Porta St. Maria for the ceremony. All very enjoyable but once the speeches started we headed off for a walk along part of the wall then back to the apartment for the ever-welcome coffee break.

In the afternoon we decided to stroll through the streets and familiarise ourselves with the town. There were numerous times when we turned a corner to be confronted with a beautiful piazza, a grand building, ancient towers and other sights. We spent time in the basilica of St. Frediano...never heard of him till today but there’s an amazing church with his name on it so he must be important! The actual body of a local saint, Zita, is preserved in this church. We also enjoyed spending time in the Anfiteatro, an ancient Roman amphitheatre, which is now a circular piazza – lots of colour & movement here. There were other places which we glanced at but will have to come back to over the next couple of weeks. For those who like to shop, there is every opportunity provided here. The streets were full of promenading locals and tourists and the shops that decided to open on Sunday were very well-patronised.

There was to be a final ceremony of flag bearers in the late afternoon but it certainly didn’t take place in the advertised area so we settled for dinner at one of the many outdoor restaurants in the Anfiteatro.

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Photos

Lucca Centro Storico
Drummers heading to Piazza Santa Maria for the 500 year anniversary of the "Unlocking of the Doors" of Lucca

Lucca Centro Storico
Drummers, archers, flag wavers and dignitaries assembled in the piazza.

Lucca Centro Storico
Walking the walls

Lucca Centro Storico
In the Anfiteatro - constructed on the site of a former Roman amphitheatre

Lucca Centro Storico
Statue in the Anfiteatro - sign says climbing forbidden but maybe this little boy can't read!

Lucca Centro Storico
Mosaics on the exterior of Chiesa di San Michele

Lucca Centro Storico
Magnificent exterior of Basilica di San Frediano where St Zita's body is to be found

Lucca Centro Storico
Institute of Music just near our apartment - music drifts up periodically