A Saturday Stroll in Lucca

We finally were able to go to Lucca today, after the two thwarted attempts last weekend. It was about a one hour train ride from Florence to Lucca, and we spent the majority of the day there. When we got there Bob gave us a tour of the three churches in town: St. Zita's, St. Michael's, and St. Martin's. Once again, I was awed by the whirlwind of beauty in these ancient and holy places. St. Zita's body was in a glass case, just like St. Clare's, as she is another of the incorruptibles. She was not covered in wax though, so it felt kind of morbid to look at her.

St. Martin's church houses a crucifix that has a legend behind it. Legend has it that sometime in the 13th century a carved crucifix that was made by Nicodemus just after Christ's crucifixion was being carried by wild oxen from Jerusalem to a destination in Italy. The oxen had no driver, as there was dispute as to which city should house the crucifix. So those in charge left it up to chance, saying that whatever city the oxen arrived in first would be the city to house the crucifix. The oxen arrived in Lucca, and there was great celebration. Lucca became a site of religious significance for pilgrimages. Later, scientific dating was done on the crucifix, and it was found that it was made in the 11th century instead of at the crucifixion of Christ. I think I prefer the legend to the scientific evidence.

In Lucca there were lots of families with small children riding bikes and just strolling around the city. Some of the kids were wearing costumes, and they were throwing confetti everywhere. The historic center of Lucca is completely surrounded by original city walls. You can go on top of these walls and walk around the entire city. There is a rode on top of the walls, but vehicles cannot drive on it. There is also lots of green space and a few playgrounds for the children. It was really a nice place just to take a leisurely stroll and soak in the sun. If I have kids someday, I think it would be so much fun to bring them to this place.