Pisa & Lucca

Pisa, the town of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. This town is the first that we have visited that is on the coast, so the town is a popular port which adds even more opportunity for trade, travelling, and immigration. As a town, it seemed dirtier and more run down than the other cities we have visited which could be because it is such a popular tourist destination. Pisa is very flat, unlike Siena! The Leaning Tower of Pisa was much smaller than I thought, it even looks larger than it is in the pictures I took. I was also very surprised to learn of the beautiful cathedral that sits just next to it.

We also visited a lovely little town called Lucca, whose economy was first built on silk production and weaving. Similar to Siena, Lucca was adament about remaining an independant state, but eventually fell victim to Florence's power. A unique characteristic of Lucca is that its wall is built much wider rather then higher like other cities. This is because the city was built after the invention of cannons. The top of the wall is now a multi-use green space/park for the public to use and enjoy - strengthening a sense of community.