Unusual Tuscany Tour | Lucca – Barga – Garfagnana
This
is a tour I planned in the past inside my Tour Operator programmation with the
title “Toscana Insolita” because it does not follow the usual itineraries
including the most important destinations such as Florence, Pisa, Siena,
Volterra or San Gimignano among others.It is an itinerary focused on
discovering the divine Lucca and
its province with the suggestive Barga and Garfagnana, fairytale
territories full of attractions, sublime landscapes and a
historical-monumental heritage of enormous importance.
1st Day Lucca
Lucca wonderful city situated in northern Tuscany located on the banks of the
Serchio river founded by the Etruscans. You can start the visit from the
spectacular and imposing Renaissance walls that surround the historic
center.Developed between 1504 and 1648 for over 4.2 kilometers
close to the urban area they are accompanied by 11 bastions and 12 curtains although
the concept of its construction was not purely for defensive purposes .
The
visit can continue with the majestic Guinigi Tower, a masterpiece in
Romanesque style dating back to the 14th century with an impressive height of 44.25
meters built using brick and stone as primary materials.
Another
historic emblem of the city is La Torre delle Ore, the Tower of Hours, a
medieval building erected in the 13th century. It is tallest of the
130 towers built in Lucca in the Middle Ages, famous for its clock
installed in 1390 and for the legend of Lucida Mansi who According to a
legend, it is said she sold his soul to the devil.
Continuation
of your visit with magnificent Cathedral of San Martino, a medieval
architectural masterpiece dating back the 11th century which perfectly brings
together the Romanesque and Gothic styles in its exhilarating external layout
where an extraordinary portico with three stupendous arches corresponding to
the naves and flanked by an imposing bell tower.
The
interior is absolutely stunning, rich of masterpieces as a magnificent
polychrome marble altar and another great work by the great master Domenico
Il Ghirlandaio, the Madonna Enthroned with Child and Saints painted in 1479 and the splendid Last Supper by Tintoretto.
Other
highlights of relevance are the funerary monument to Ilaria del Caretto
a prominent work work by Jacopo
Della Quercia and the Tempietto del Volto Santo created by the local
sculptor Matteo Civitali.
Take
the chance to walk in the beautiful Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and the
surrounding places outside the walls to admire the stupendous landscapes
surrounding Lucca with the marvelous view of gentle, picturesque hillsides full
of suggestive olive groves dominating an extensive green flat basin on the
slopes of the Monte Serra and the Pizzorne plateaus.
From
there you will be delighted to admire from another perspective the beauties of
the fascinating Lucca and also in its
immediate charming hinterland.
It’s
time for a good lunch and very suggested are local appetizers of varied Tuscan
cured meats with crostini as first course you can choose the delicious Tordelli
with wild boar sauce or Garmugia As second course excellent is the typical
grilled beef steak with fresh vegetables or steamed trout with a
side of boiled potatoes and do not miss the excellent local wines.
In
the afternoon you can continue to discover the beauties of the fascinating
Lucca by walking along the enchanting Via Filungo or alternatively visit
the wonderful Basilica of San Frediano, take a look the splendid Palazzo Mansi with the National Art
Gallery, recommended for all lovers of pure, divine art. Do not miss to admire
the beautiful Palazzo Ducale and the the splendid Teatro del Giglio. Enjoy your dinner
in the area of Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro, the right place to enjoy the pleasant
athmosphere of the beautiful Lucca.
Hotels
suggested : https://www.palazzotucci.com/ - https://www.allacortedegliangeli.it/
2nd Day– LUCCA – BORGO A MOZZANO – LOPPIA – BARGA –
LUCCA
It’s
the second day and and after your breakfast in hoyel you can visit Borgo a
Mozzano along a stretch of the sinuous Serchio river where you will have
the opportunity to admire the famous medieval Devil's Bridge along its
course.
Visit
the small center of this attractive town in the heart of the rustic and
enchanting Garfagnana, an area of unique, natural beauty at the foot of
the evocative Apuan Alps and close to the Apennines in a
geographical area rich in dense chestnut woods and
The local historical heritage boasts the beauty of the two
beautiful churches of San Rocco and San Jacopo and above all the
splendid Convent of San Francesco erected in 1523.
Continuation
towards Loppia you can have a short stop to admire the famous Pieve di Santa
Maria, a beautiful religious building dating back to the 12th
century developed in Romanesque style with its high four-storey bell tower
built on a quadrangular plan.
Continuation
towards Barga and take your time to enjoy a typical Garfagnana lunch with
appetizers based on Tuscan Salami, Smoked Bacon, Coppa and Grilled Peppers. As first
courses, very suggested are Matuffi or or Spelled Soup. About
second courses you can opt for Stewed beef with rye bread and croutons or grilled Veal Fillet
with a side dish of Spinach Gratin.
The
visit of Barga will be simply stunning, the town boasts an extraordinary
medieval center characterized by suggestive alleys and picturesque squares. You
can start from the iconic Porta Reale a the medieval gate of notable
importance since the middle age.
Have an enjoyable a first stop in front of the
beautiful Conservatory of Santa Elisabetta which was originally the Monastery
of the Poor Clares erected in the 15th century housing a significant
crucifix and an altarpiece attributed to the artistic school of the great
Florentine Renaissance sculptor Andrea della Robbia.
Continuation
with the stupendous Cathedral of San Cristoforo, a magnificent medieval
building developed in 10th century in a
splendid Romanesque style using blocks of alberese as material for its
construction.
After
this spectacular excursion you can come back to Lucca enjoying your dinner and
overnight in hotel.
3rd day - LUCCA – CASTELNUOVO
DI GARFAGNANA - LUCCA
After your breakfast in Hotel,
leave Lucca to head to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, a beautiful town
located at the confluence of the Serchio river with the Turrite Secca stream.
You can start the town visit with
the imposing Rocca Ariostesca, a 12th century fortress which takes its
name from the poet Ludovico Ariosto who was governor of Castelnuovo di
Garfagnana when this municipality was part of the Estense Duchy.This
stronghold was enlarged in 1300 by the Duke of the Ghibelline faction
Castruccio Castracani.
Continuation with the Cathedral
of Saints Peter Paul dating back to the 16th century, a beautiful, large
church with a splendid Renaissance façade preserving inside a magnificent
terracotta altarpiece attributed to the great Florentine master Andrea del
Verrocchio and a significant canvas depicting the Madonna with Saints
painted by Ghirlandaio.
The nearest Porta di
Castruccio is another iconic highlight. It was one of the main entrances of
Castelnuovo di Garfagnana in medieval times and after crossing it you can stop
in front of Vittorio Alfieri
Municipal Theater inaugurated in 1860, known for its capacity of 510 seats
and always with a calendar full of events.
You will spot on a hill the
silhouette of the Mont'Alfonso Fortress, a sixteenth-century Estensi
stronghold built for defensive purposes. the Duchy of Lucca.In the historic
center of this charming town delight your palate with a typical lunch based on
traditional Garfagnana products starting from an appetizer with Salame
Birolo, Soppressata, Mondiola and Prosciutto Re di Macchia all with
a delicious Bruschetta.
As first courses very suggested
are Papparedelle with Porcini Mushrooms or Chickpeas Soup, while
as second courses you can choose between Stewed Seasonal Game or Grilled
Pork Ribs both accompanied by Mixed Salad and Potatoes.
After this you can leave this wonderful
corner of Tuscany, for sure Lucca and the Garfagnana will remain in your
memories for ever.
Link : https://www.provincialucca.com/
