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July 13, 2026
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Barley bread with sunflower seeds – easy vegan bread recipe

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In my family bread has always been well-appreciated. One of my great-grandfathers was a baker, he made bread to make a living. Nowadays, I my family still remembers the wonderful taste of the bread he prepared. My mother, possibly because she grew up in this environment, prepares bread every day: round or flat, with olives and dried tomatoes or with a variety seeds, with a mix of some of the flours she has in her collection. Today, inspired by the gorgeous yellow of the sunflowers, we prepared barley bread with sunflower seeds.

Barley bread with sunflower seeds - easy vegan bread recipe

“No one is greater than bread” („Никой не е по-голям от хляба“) as one Bulgarian saying goes because bread has been an integral part of all traditional meals for centuries. During festivities it becomes sacred and its decoration is an art in itself. Precisely bread and salt are used to offer hospitality, while the sweet bread (with honey) is present in all rituals that symbolise social inclusion: when a child is born, when the bride is welcomed into the house of the groom’s family, when children start school for the first time.

“People see bread as something sacred, bread is never left upside-down on the table, important guests are invited to bread and salt, no one can ever step over bread, and during Christian celebrations, there is always bread and wine.”
quote from the narrative “Bread”, written by Yordan Radichkov

Barley bread with sunflower seeds - easy vegan bread recipe

Barley bread with sunflower seeds


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Delicious home-made barley bread

Yields: 1 loaf of bread

  • 250 ml fizzy water
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 10 g beer yeast
  • 200 g barley flour
  • 300 g wheat flour
  • mix of seeds
  • sunflower seeds

Put both types of flour in a bowl, mix them and make a well in the centre.

Warm the fizzy water and add to it beer yeast and maple syrup.

Pour the liquid into the well, add salt and olive oil.

Use a spatula to gradually bring in the flour from the inside of the well, until you form a soft ball.

Put the dough on a floured surface and start to knead (5-10 minutes), adding a variety of seeds.

Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and leave it to rise for 30-40 minutes.

Shape the dough into a bread and put it in an oiled loaf pan. (I used a standard 22х10х6 cm/ 8 x 4 x 2 1/2 in. loaf pan.)

Leave the dough for additional 20-30 minutes, until it doubles in size.

Put some warm water on the surface of the dough and sprinkle over the sunflower seeds (water helps them stick).

Bake at 210°C/410°F, without a fan for 30-35 minutes at the lowest level of your oven.

  • Preparation time: 85 minutes
  • Cook time: 35 minutes
  • Total time: 2 hours

“We prepare two ovens of bread every day, on Saturday three. This never ends, people are always hungry, but that’s what God invented – that humans eat three times a day. Three times, and every time there must be bread on the table.”
quote from the narrative “Bread”, written by Yordan Radichkov

Barley bread with sunflower seeds - easy vegan bread recipe

There is something incredibly comforting in the smell of freshly-made bread, in its hard and crunchy crust and its soft and fluffy crumb. I invite you to a slice of barley bread with sunflower seeds, generously coated with a tomato and pepper spread. If you can’t stop by, then get to work and prepare your own loaf!

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Leonardo da Vinci Archives – Eva Milano

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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 ice-cream!

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.

Lucca, city wall

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.

 San Michele church

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.

Duomo San Martino, front facade

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!

Amphitheatre square, Lucca

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.

Green hills of Tuscany

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

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July 13, 2026
Uncategorized

Places to visit in Italy Archives – Eva Milano

maximios
0 0 5
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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 ice-cream!

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.

Lucca, city wall

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.

 San Michele church

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.

Duomo San Martino, front facade

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!

Amphitheatre square, Lucca

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.

Green hills of Tuscany

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

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July 13, 2026
Uncategorized

Tuscany Archives – Eva Milano

maximios
0 0 5
Share

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 ice-cream!

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.

Lucca, city wall

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.

 San Michele church

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.

Duomo San Martino, front facade

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!

Amphitheatre square, Lucca

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.

Green hills of Tuscany

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

Follow:

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July 13, 2026
Uncategorized

Nutella Archives – Eva Milano

maximios
0 0 6
Share

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 ice-cream!

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.

Lucca, city wall

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.

 San Michele church

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.

Duomo San Martino, front facade

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!

Amphitheatre square, Lucca

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.

Green hills of Tuscany

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

Follow:

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  • The small Lisbon and the big earthquake

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July 13, 2026
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TRAVELS Archives – Page 3 of 3 – Eva Milano

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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 ice-cream!

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.

Lucca, city wall

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.

 San Michele church

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.

Duomo San Martino, front facade

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!

Amphitheatre square, Lucca

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.

Green hills of Tuscany

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

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Lucca – Oh, that Nutella! – Eva Milano

maximios
0 0 5
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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 ice-cream!

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.

Lucca, city wall

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.

 San Michele church

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.

Duomo San Martino, front facade

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!

Amphitheatre square, Lucca

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.

Green hills of Tuscany

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

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Italian gelato Archives – Eva Milano

maximios
0 0 5
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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 ice-cream!

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.

Lucca, city wall

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.

 San Michele church

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.

Duomo San Martino, front facade

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!

Amphitheatre square, Lucca

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.

Green hills of Tuscany

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

Follow:

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July 13, 2026
Uncategorized

Things to see in Italy Archives – Eva Milano

maximios
0 0 5
Share

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 ice-cream!

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.

Lucca, city wall

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.

 San Michele church

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.

Duomo San Martino, front facade

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!

Amphitheatre square, Lucca

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.

Green hills of Tuscany

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

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July 13, 2026
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Lucca Archives – Eva Milano

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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 ice-cream!

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.

Lucca, city wall

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.

 San Michele church

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.

Duomo San Martino, front facade

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!

Amphitheatre square, Lucca

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.

Green hills of Tuscany

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

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