Tuscany

From the port of Livorno, we headed off to Tuscany.  We visited the walled city of Lucca, a medieval trading center that was the only city in Tuscany not controlled by Florence’s Medici family.  Once home to the silk trade, Lucca now focuses on leather, olive oil, banking and tourism.   It’s home to more than 100 churches and has a palace built by Napoleon’s sister.  It was also the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini.

The highlight was seeing the Tintoretto painting, The Last Supper in the Duomo (cathedral).  Unlike the more famous one by Da Vinci, this painting is vertical, and it has a perspective that makes it unique.  No matter where you stand, the table appears to be aligned with your view.  They do not allow photos of it, and I’m not sure any photos would truly do justice to the artwork.

After lunch and shopping in Lucca, it was off to Pisa and the “Field of Miracles” – the Duomo, baptistry and, of course, the Leaning Tower.   The guide explained that the baptistry originally had no roof… the church only wanted the pure rainwater used for baptisms.  Thundershowers plagued us all afternoon -- Scott decided we should all feel pretty holy!  The Duomo was a mix of gothic and Moorish architecture and Carrera marble from the nearby Apenine Alps quarries that have produced some of the most famous statues in the world.

Years ago Scott had been in Livorno aboard the Detroit.  While he was ashore, a hurricane threatened and the ship left.  Scott and the others spent 5 days at an Army base waiting for the ship to come back.  On our way back to the port from Pisa, we went right past the base.  Small world!