Tuscany | Lucca

Lucca in Tuscany has some remarkable architecture, especially the great circular center of town and the old medieval city walls of the former city state. The birthplace of Puccini, this charming city is not as choked with tourists as other destinations in Tuscany are which can provide for some needed breathing room. It is well worth the day trip from Florence.

It is also where I learned of the great rivalry between Rome and Pisa and was taught this insult:

Better a corpse in your house than a Pisan at your doorstep.

It is even better to say it in Italian:

Meglio un morto in case che un Pisano all’uscio.