Part of the joy of living in Italy is being able to explore so much of the country, including areas close to home. On a recent Saturday afternoon, a friend and I – accompanied by three eager dogs – explored the neoclassical L’acquedotto del Nottolini, which is barely a five-minute walk from the Lucca train station.

The 19th century aqueduct – designed by Lorenzo Nottolini – is a landmark in this area, stretching for more than three kilometers (more than 1.8 miles) south of Lucca’s centro storico (historic center).

The aqueduct’s stone channel – supported by more than 400 arches - was used to bring water to Lucca from the mountains south of the city. Water was conveyed to a tank that looks like a temple and then potable water was fed into fountains throughout the city through metal pipes. Those fountains are still in use today – many residents’ routines include filling glass bottles with water from one of the fountains and carrying the bottles home.

The land alongside the aqueduct is now used by walkers, joggers and bicyclists. Green fields roll out on either side and colorful houses dot the land. People make their way to the fountains found at the base of some of the aqueduct’s arches to fill bottles. The day we walked we saw at least a half dozen people stocking up.

The trail here eventually ends at the town of Guamo. It’s a fun exploration with the beauty of nature and innovation of man providing a majestic setting). -post by Judy