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.
What to do if you can’t polish off that bottle of wine? Diagonally cut cork. Invert one piece of cork forming a wedge. Force cork wedge in bottle.
1st, 2nd, 3rd Vieri’s
July 10, 2014
Post-Camino
Monteriggioni
One of my favorite activities at Vieri’s home was checking for pigeon and hen eggs in their joint coup. Holding a warm egg taken from the bird’s nest is precious moment.
Vieri’s omelette with fresh squeezed Blood Orange Juice and a pot of Sarah’s Parisian Tea.
