Lucca

Surrounded by very beautiful 15th century walls that have remained practically intact and were transformed by the Bourbons in a very pleasant and treed walking trail, Lucca has an atmosphere all its own, intimate and at the same time very lively, friendly and proud, that evokes the old and more recent history of this unique city-state of Tuscany, independent since 1847.

In the medieval historic heart of the city, artistic and historic landmarks follow each other as a testimonial to the greatness of the city throughout the centuries: the Roman Amphitheater that nowadays gives character to the gorgeous Piazza Anfiteatro, the Roman Duomo of San Martino, a splendid repository of important medieval and Renaissance works of art, among which the stunning Tomb of Ilaria del Carretto; the original Torre dei Guinigi (Lords of Lucca), unmistakable and crowned with a holm oak, and Villa Bottini or Buovisi, with the amazing garden full of statues and flower beds dating from the 16th century and remodeled in the 19th century.

Lucca is also a city of deep musical tradition. One of the great musicians born here was Giacomo Puccini, the most important opera composer between the 19th and 20th centuries, and whose house is a Center for Studies and a Museum. As soon as you get out of the city, gently sloping hills gradually become majestic mountains at Garfagnana framing valleys that are crossed by the Serchio River that flows into limpid lakes in which are reflected picturesque towns, and eventually goes down to the Lucca prairie until it reaches the sea at Versilia. From Forte dei Marmi to Viareggio there are beautiful and fully equipped beaches, animated by lively and modern resort establishments, and also natural parks and pristine oasis: the Lucca territory is truly amazing!

« back