11- Grand bicycle tour in Italy from 2011 ( Lucca)

I piously enter the cathedral and here I can take a glance at a stupendous icon and a wise piece of advice.

Such a nice ceiling I can see, too.

Then I roam about the busy streets.

I discover a tiny square and a lofty column with a pieta on top.

Soon I get to admire another ancient church.

The medieval architecture is so rich and impressive.

The old town is crossed by a small stream.

This stream has plenty of big fish even if it's water is quite shallow.

As soon as I leave behind the old walled town I start cycling on SS12 road heading for the North Appenine.

I am following the Serchio River.

At Ponte a Moriano I encounter some great statues.

Here I enter the mountains still following Serchio River.

The green scenery is more scenic.

Soon I pass through a tiny tunnel.

10- Grand bicycle tour in Italy from 2011 (good friends and Lucca)

Here I am relaxing, drinking some beers, taking photos of pretty girls.

All of a sudden I run into a family of Romanians living and working in the area. Now they are relaxing.

They appreciate me a lot, are amazed by my adventures and the girls are very kind and lovely. They are from Moldavia.

After a relaxing day together they invite me to their house. They live in San Piero a Grado, a village nearby. Day 6 and 7) San Piero a Grado I relax 2 days at their home and they treat me very well with good food and fine drinks.

Day 8) San Piero a Grado - Pisa - Lucca - Bagni di Lucca It is time to say good bye to my wonderful hosts! I will never forget you dear friends! They also offer me a nice donation that will help me a lot.

After Pisa I will follow SS12 road. Nice scenery!

After San Giuliano Terme I will have to climb a hill, a few km of ascent.

Soon I will reach Lucca, another gem of Tuscany.

Lucca is a city and comune in Tuscany, Central Italy, on the Serchio, in a fertile plain near the Ligurian Sea. It is the capital of the Province of Lucca. It is famous for its intact Renaissance-era city walls.

Its historic center is fully walled.

I enter the historic town through an interesting building endowed with a great gate.

Here I can admire many old churches.

Nice bas-reliefs.

Great statues.

An old theater.

San Martin Cathedral dating back to XI century is probably the best medieval gem this town can offer.