Romantic Italian Escape: Discovering Lucca's Charm

Lucca's Echoes of the Past

Today, Maximilian and I delved deeper into Lucca's historical tapestry, uncovering stories woven into its ancient walls and hidden beneath its charming streets. From the opulent halls of Museum of Villa Mansi to the fascinating ruins of Domus Romana Lucca, we immersed ourselves in the city's rich heritage. Of course, no exploration is complete without savoring the local flavors, and today’s culinary journey was nothing short of delightful. We also indulged in a little retail therapy, discovering the luxurious offerings of a local cashmere boutique.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Osteria Dal Manzo. I chose a classic Italian breakfast, a cappuccino and a cornetto, while Maximilian, ever the traditionalist, opted for scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. Energized, we set off to explore the day’s attractions. The weather was beautiful, the kind of late summer day where the sun shines warmly but there's still a refreshing breeze, perfect for walking around and taking in the sights.

First on our itinerary was the Museum of Villa Mansi. As we approached, the villa's grandeur was immediately apparent, a testament to the wealth and influence of the Mansi family who once resided here. The architecture was stunning, a blend of Baroque elegance and Renaissance charm. Stepping inside felt like stepping back in time. The museum is known for showcasing original frescoes, furnishings and tapestries.


Explore the exquisite art and history at the Museum of Villa Mansi, a national treasure in the heart of Lucca, Italy.
We wandered through the lavishly decorated rooms, each one telling a story of the family's history and the artistic trends of the time. The frescoes on the ceilings were particularly breathtaking, depicting mythological scenes and allegorical figures with vibrant colors and intricate details. Maximilian, with his keen eye for detail, was fascinated by the craftsmanship of the furniture, noting the intricate carvings and the luxurious fabrics. I was captivated by the tapestries, which depicted historical events and pastoral scenes with remarkable artistry.

History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.

After spending a couple of hours exploring the museum, we decided to take a stroll through the villa's gardens. The gardens were a tranquil oasis, with manicured lawns, fountains, and statues creating a serene atmosphere. We strolled along the pathways, admiring the colorful flowers and enjoying the peaceful ambiance. It was the perfect place to relax and reflect on the beauty and history we had just experienced.

Leaving Villa Mansi, we made our way to our next destination: Domus Romana Lucca. This archaeological site, located in the heart of the city, offers a glimpse into Lucca's ancient Roman past. As we descended into the underground ruins, we were transported back to the first century BC.


Discover the ancient wonders of Domus Romana Lucca, where history comes alive in the heart of Tuscany's beautiful city.
The site revealed the remains of a Roman house, complete with walls, mosaics, and artifacts that had been preserved for centuries. Maximilian, with his background in technology, was particularly interested in the engineering and construction techniques used by the Romans. I was fascinated by the everyday objects that had been unearthed, providing insights into the daily lives of the people who once lived here.

One of the highlights of the Domus Romana was the terracotta frieze depicting two putti riding dolphins, a beautiful example of Roman artistry. We also explored the Renaissance cellars of the palace, with their grand brick vaults and collection of everyday objects and votive pieces. The educational panels throughout the site provided valuable context, with floor plans, graphic reconstructions, and images of archaeological excavations.

By lunchtime, we had worked up quite an appetite. We headed to Trattoria Canuleia, a charming restaurant known for its authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant had a lovely green back courtyard, which hosted a number of tables. We were lucky to get a table without a reservation, as the place was quite popular.


Discover Trattoria Canuleia in Lucca for an unforgettable dining experience featuring authentic Italian cuisine and fresh seafood.
We started with an appetizer of bruschetta, toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. For our main courses, I ordered the spaghettonis with basil pesto, lemon and prawns, while Maximilian chose the tortellis al ragù. The pasta was cooked to perfection, and the sauces were bursting with flavor. We paired our meal with a bottle of local wine, recommended by the friendly staff.

After lunch, we decided to indulge in a little retail therapy. I had been wanting to buy a new cashmere sweater, so we headed to Casheart boutique Cashmere Lucca. The boutique was located on Via Fillungo, a vibrant street known for its shopping.


Discover Casheart Boutique in Lucca, where luxury cashmere and exquisite wool garments await in a charming Italian setting.
As we entered the boutique, we were greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The store was filled with luxurious cashmere garments in a rainbow of colors. The staff was incredibly helpful, assisting me in finding the perfect sweater. I finally settled on a beautiful, soft cashmere sweater in a lovely shade of blue. Maximilian, not to be left out, bought a stylish cashmere scarf.

With our shopping bags in hand, we strolled along Via Fillungo, enjoying the lively atmosphere and the beautiful architecture. We stopped for a gelato at a nearby gelateria, savoring the sweet treat as we watched the world go by.

For dinner, we had reservations at Ristorante All'Olivo. This charming restaurant is known for its intimate setting and delicious Tuscan dishes. As we entered, we were struck by the warm and inviting atmosphere, with art-filled walls and cozy lighting.


Discover Ristorante All'Olivo in Lucca - where seafood and vegetarian delights meet exceptional Italian hospitality.
We were seated at a table in the elegant outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying the cool summer evening. We started with a seafood salad and tagliatelle with shaved parmesan. For our main courses, I ordered the lamb and Maximilian chose the veal. The food was exquisite, cooked to perfection and beautifully presented.

To end the meal, we shared a tiramisu, which was absolutely divine. The chef even came out to personally greet us and highlight some of the regional dishes. It was a truly memorable dining experience.

As the day drew to a close, we walked back to Albergo San Martino, our hearts full of the day's experiences. Lucca had once again captivated us with its history, culture, and culinary delights. I am so glad that Maximilian and I made the decision to spend our summer vacation here.


Experience the heart of Lucca at Albergo San Martino, where comfort meets convenience in a vibrant city center setting ideal for all travelers.
Tomorrow, we plan to explore Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and Cattedrale di San Zeno. I am eager to discover more of Lucca's hidden gems. And perhaps, we will find a nice bar to relax in the evening.

Until then, arrivederci!