Opera is the voice of Italy while Puccini is the sound of Lucca. Two generations of the Puccini family have lived in this Lucca home now converted to a museum.
Carved into the portico of Lucca’s Cathedral of San Martino is a circular labyrinth with the Latin inscription, “The labyrinth was built by Dedalius of Crete; all who entered therein were lost except, save Theseus, thanks to Ariadne’s thread.”
Positioned along the Via Francigena the labyrinth serves as a meditative guide for pilgrims on their way to Rome. Could there be a more perfect place to begin a 250 mile walk to Rome?
The 19th Century Aqueduct of Nottolini is 2 1/2 miles long with over 400 arches. Several arches were removed for a highway. This is dedicated to Bill who loves arch bridges.
Archaeological sites beneath Church of Saint Giovanni are Roman and date to 1st to 12th century A.D.
Each Duomo di San Martino’s exterior column is unique. Legend has it the people of Lucca had a contest for the best column design. Artists submitted carved columns. Lucca inhabitants decided to keep them all. Without paying the artist, all the columns were used.
Street life…
The great opera composer Puccini’s home is in Lucca. On Sam’s recommendation I had booked two nights at the opera.
Lucca street scene samples.
The pool cover announced the end of summer. Lost (brother of Found) was playing “cat and mouse” with something under the thin blue cover. What will happen when he unsheathes his claws? GEYSER!
The cats and dogs find their way to ll Piaggione, Rebecca and Vieri’s home where they find kindness, endless food, and free range. Phantom, their dog of many years, has sadly been missing for three weeks. During the night Sarah heard backing and hoped it was Phantom. Alas, it wasn’t Phantom’s powerful bark that had kept all prey from the chicken.
Friends are timeless so why do we look forty years older?
