Lovely Lucca

We really fell in love with Lucca. It's a beautiful walled town, population about 5000. It's a tourist town, but not nearly as busy as Florence or Rome. People are friendly, and the food is good. There are lots of beautiful churches, towers, squares, parks, small winding streets... if you get lost you'll eventually come to a wall so you can find your way.
Puccini was born & lived here so there are references to him everywhere. There is a concert of his music every night, but we never made it. It conflicted with our pre-dinner relax and drink.The town seems very popular with young Italians, Pisa is nearby with a large university, so many students come on the weekend. Along with the walls, the Anfiteatro, and the towers, particularly the Guinigi Tower with the trees growing on top are some of Lucca's most popular attractions. It seems everywhere you see quirky things like the painting of the Madonna in the old Red district holding a purse, or "Big Tit" square with it's fountain, named after the classic statue with one bared breast.
We stayed in a wonderful 3 star hotel, the San Martino. It was an old brothel, and instead of numbers the rooms all have names. Our s was "Tre Scallini" which means 3 steps, as there were 3 steps up to the shower.
The staff were so wonderful and friendly, did everything to enhance our stay. And Fabrisio at the front desk insisted on kissing us good-bye!