What to do in Borgo a Buggiano

The Arno River travels gently through Florence on its 150-mile (240-kilometer) journey from Mount Falterona to the Tyrrhenian Sea. During Roman times this was a significant resource to the city and allowed merchants to bring wealth by trade links with the Mediterranean. Walk the banks of the Arno River today to see iconic bridges and resplendent palaces. Cruise the river waters by boat and rafting tours.

With rock concerts, cafés, interesting architecture and a wide open space, the sprawling tree-lined Piazza Napoleone has a broad appeal that attracts thousands of visitors every day.

Pull up a seat at a pavement café, sip a strong espresso and people-watch in one of Lucca’s most beautiful squares. Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is enclosed by brightly colored buildings of uneven heights. It was built on the ruins of a second-century Roman amphitheater where chariots raced. More maudlin, gladiators once fought to the death in front of crowds of up to 10,000 spectators within the piazza’s walls.

Walking along a timber plank stretching hundreds of yards through the marsh into Massaciuccoli Lake is a bit like emerging upon paradise. As gulls fly overhead and a gentle breeze brushes the water reeds against your feet, you can reach for your camera or spend a moment simply enjoying it all. Do both and turn around so that you can also appreciate the mountainous skyline and panoramic views of grasslands.

The first thing that attracts your attention is the gold Byzantine-style mosaic at the top of the wide facade. The decorative piece represents the Ascension of Christ, below which are depictions of the 12 apostles. Inside the Basilica di San Frediano the views are just as arresting, with several notable works of art and the mummified body of a saint.