Day 55 IT Camaiore to Lucca

Camaiore to Lucca

Yesterday in downtown Camaiore was a blast! I arrived just in time for a local football competition to kick off, sparking lively debates among the crowd about which team reigns supreme—Premier League or Italy’s Serie A. It was one of those moments where the energy of the locals was infectious, and I found myself drawn into the excitement.

This morning, I left Camaiore under a cloudless sky at 6:45 AM. It was a later start than usual, but the short distance to Lucca didn’t require an early wake-up. As I walked through town, I passed a coffee shop packed with local elders chatting away—something about the early hours in small towns that feels so alive.

Reaching Lucca is a big moment on the Via Francigena. The city marks the final mountain stage of the pilgrimage, and from here, it’s about 225 miles (360 km) to Rome. A long stretch ahead, but it’s exciting all the same!

On the trail, I met two Italian hikers. We shared stories about our journeys—an experience where words were secondary to the connection. We didn’t speak the same language, but gestures and a few words here and there made it work. One of those moments that remind me why I love traveling.

At 9:40 AM, I crested the last mountain, and looking back at the peaks I’d just conquered was surreal. Now, I’m heading downhill toward Lucca, surrounded by rolling hills. The mountains are behind me, and it feels like a chapter has closed. I reached Lucca at 12:30, just as the temperature hit 93°F!

Lucca, known as the “walled city,” was teeming with tourists, yet it maintains a charm that makes it feel authentic. It’s a perfect gateway to the final stretch of the Via Francigena—many pilgrims start their journey to Rome from here, giving the city an extra layer of significance.

I spent the afternoon wandering through the historic streets of Lucca, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Tomorrow, I plan to explore even more, but today has already been a highlight. The music, the food, the stunning architecture—Lucca has it all. Here are my top five must-see spots:

The Lucca Walls – These 16th-century city walls are one of the city’s most iconic features, offering fantastic views and a peaceful walking path.
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro – A charming oval-shaped square, once a Roman amphitheater, now lined with cafes and shops.
Torre Guinigi – A medieval tower with a rooftop garden offering panoramic views of the city.
Lucca Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Martino) – A magnificent cathedral with fascinating history and beautiful artwork.
Basilica of San Frediano – A peaceful church with a stunning mosaic on its façade.

Music Festival

To top it off, Lucca is hosting its annual Music Festival, with incredible bands performing throughout the summer. I caught the Pet Shop Boys live—not exactly my usual genre, but they put on an a good show!

My Stay in Lucca

I stayed at a pilgrim hostel tonight, and the hosts were some of the best I’ve encountered on this journey. Dinner was fantastic, followed by gelato—honestly, what better way to end a day like this?

Tomorrow is a rest day, which I’m really looking forward to. I might even take a day trip around the region and hunt for wild boar for dinner now that the mountains are behind me!