Tuscany - Pisa, Lucca and Apuane Alps

Pisa

Pisa's Leaning Tower is one of the world's most recognizable buildings. Founded in 1173 it is famous for leaning 4.4 meters out of line. It was built to stand vertically but began leaning soon after construction started in August 1173. It tilts because its foundation was built on unstable soil. A 293-step spiral staircase leads to the top of the tower which offers superb views of the Duomo and the Baptistery.

The Duomo was already begun in 1064 and is built in a fine Romanesque style with double aisles and cupola. The nearby Baptistery is another building on the Piazza dei Miracoli. It was started in 1152, more than 400 years before Galileo Galilei was baptised here in 1564.

Lucca

Lucca is a wonderful small town - one of Italy's finest mediaeval treasures, the centre is relatively unspoilt and sprinkled with narrow alleys, towers and splendid churches.

The historical centre of Lucca lies within a unique wall system. These walls were many years in the making (16th to 17th century). Originally built as a defence against Florence, they were never put to the test in war and have remained virtually intact. Today it is possible to walk on the wide and peaceful road which runs along the top of the walls, shaded by chestnut trees.

Almost certainly the most photographed view in Lucca, the facade of Chiesa de San Michele is a delight. Every single column is different; some are elaborately carved, some twisted and spiralling, others are like striped sweets.

Piazza Anfiteatro is a lovely square surrounded by colourful typical Italian buildings. The square is named after the Amphitheatre which formerly stood here, giving the square its particuar oval shape.

The Cathedral of Lucca - the Duomo of San Martino - was completely rebuilt between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries; in 1261 it was joined to the adjoining bell-tower, hence the unusual asymmetry of the facade and its smaller arch to the right.

The Torre Guinigi is instantly recognisable as 'the tower with the tree on top' This fifteenth century tower may be climbed all the way to the top and offers splendid views over the town and surrounding hills.

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