Luni

Thursday found us going to Luni and Lucca. The city of Luni was located at the mouth of the Magra River. When it was founded in 177 B.C. it was very near the coast. It is now over two kilometers from the sea - the water receded. It was an extremely important city as it lay on the via Aurelia and was on the main Roman north-south route which eventually led down to the Middle East. Pilgrims in the early days of the Christian church would go through Luni on their way to the Holy Land. Because the water receded, the city died. Therefore, all that are left are ruins. They are just a bit older than the Roman remains in Arles. However, Arles has been continually used hence the reason for the remains (like the amphitheatre) being in such good shape. Luni wasn't as fortunate.

We also drove right by Carrara and its famous marble mines on the way from Luni to Lucca. Michelangelo came to Carrara frequently to personally choose marble for his masterpieces (David being one of them).