Rosanna Capatini of Eliotropica Travel for Women kindly took us on a half day tour outside of 
Lucca. We visiting one of the historic great ‘Villas’ – historic yes, and beautiful, but the owners don’t live there as they often can’t afford to heat the place!
She took us to Pietrasanta a gathering place for many established and aspiring artists in Tuscany. When we walked into the square I was stopped in my tracks by a dynamic sculpture of a woman dancing,.I was surprised to discover it was done by Gina Lollobrigida – yes the well known actress is an established artist.
Rosanna led us into a Church on Via Garibaldi where two extraordinary contemporary frescos of Paradise and Hell by Botero are proudly displayed. They are amazing with their large and generously proportioned type figures, and vaguely irreverent approach to the subject.
Off to the coast and nearby port of Viareggio, which is a 
well known seaside resort and boat building town. We stopped for a simple and delicious meal of seafood Gnocchi on the promenade before strolling along the sea wall and back along the beach.
The mountains behind the town were covered in snow – it was a picture. A 15 minute train ride and we were back in Lucca, a short walk from the station and we are inside the city walls and home again.
