Nutella Archives – Eva Milano
Let me take you to what is believed to be the most popular Italian region – Tuscany. Let’s go around the not very touristic town of Lucca. The place is charming and if you are in the neighbourhood talking a stroll with an ice-cream in hand is a must.
The best Nutella
Start your tour at the lovely sweet shop Le Bontá where you can find extremely beautiful cakes, selection of fine chocolates and a long file of people impatient to get some ice-cream. It costs only two euros to get three flavours of this unbelievably tasty creamy temptation. And, if you know anything whatsoever about good gelato, you will get triple Nutella. The ice-cream beats the chocolate original, I promise.
Imposing city walls
Walking down via Lucchese in a South-East direction will take you to a huge fortification, which is a Renaissance heritage. In time Italian towns grew substantially and their old city walls were of no military use any more. Many Tuscan cities, including Florence, demolished their city walls. In contrast, the imposing wall of Lucca was preserved and it is still standing in full glory.
The marble arc
Go under one of the three arcs of Porta Elisa named after Napoleon’s little sister. They often had arguments because the Grand Duchess of Tuscany had a very sharp tongue. In the beginning of the 19th century Napoleon ordered for the construction of Porta Elisa. It was meant to commemorate a new road from Lucca to key destinations like Monte Catini, Pistoia and Florence.
A panoramic view
From here you can go straight ahead and quickly find your way to the heart of the old town – the San Michele church. But why not go up the stairs to your left that will take you up on the spectacular 16th-century city walls. Walking around perfectly well-kept green spaces and lines of old trees you will find one of the most impressive panoramic walks in Europe. The unique Guinigi tower at the top of which are growing seven enormous oak trees is also visible.
Soon enough you will also get a glimpse of Duomo San Martino. Its front façade and intricate stained glass windows are definitely worth seeing. You can always go back to the city walls promenade that is only 4 km long. But if you do not fancy walking – rent a bike!
The Genius of Leonardo
Don’t miss a stroll down one of the lively shopping streets like Via Fillungo to marvel at some shop windows, exquisitely decorated with delicacies. Walking down the street you will surely pass by Chiesa di San Cristoforo where currently over 60 reproductions of famous Da Vinci’s inventions are being displayed. From a bicycle prototype (that reminds of the present-day version) to the first helicopter, a variety of war machines and wings for flying. At the end of the street you will find yourself in the Piazza Anfiteatro, a square bordered by buildings that follow the traces of a former Roman amphitheatre.
A tour of Tuscany
Lucca is one of the most charming European cities, with a perfect location for those who want to dive into the astonishing beauty of Tuscany. The roads, passing by gorgeous green hills laden with olive trees and perfectly-ordered vines, will take you to Florence, Pisa or the seaside in a couple of hours. The huge garden centers offering a selection of flowers, bushes and trees shaped in million different ways only add to the charm of this incredible
