Presentation of Lucca

Lucca, a small town with a vital historic centre of great value, is a city of art that has managed to preserve its old-fashioned charm. Examples of Roman, Medieval and Renaissance architecture can be found in its streets and buildings. A walk through the centre of Lucca turns into an exciting journey through time and history.
Beyond the marvelous XVI-XVII century city walls, what really distinguishes Lucca are its remarkably well preserved centre and its vibrant atmosphere.

You can  admire it from the top of its towers or walk along its narrow and winding medieval streets: the white marble of the Romanesque churches, the red orange of the XIII and XVI century palazzi, the grey pavement...
 
...Lucca always ends up seducing you.
 
This is probably due to the history of this town. Over the past centuries, Lucca has fostered diversity with many contradictions. Lucca, jealous of its autonomy, was an independent city-state until 1847, just before the unification of Italy. Traditionally Lucca sympathized with the Papacy, but towards the middle of the XVI century it became one of the capitals of Reformation. Proudly protected by its impressive walls, Lucca was vital and active on the main markets in Europe with its merchants and silk.

A visit on the tree-topped Tower Guinigi and on the Torre delle Ore is highly recommended. You can’t miss Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built on the remains of the Roman amphitheatre, Giacomo Puccini’s house and museum, and finally, Via del Battistero, to see the famous shop windows of the antique dealers as well as the antique market, which attracts numerous lovers of arts every third Sunday every month.

Lucca is really beautiful: the huge number of Romanesque churches, such as the church of S. Michele, the Duomo of S. Martino and the Basilica of S. Frediano, are magnificent. Inside the Duomo, there are many works of art like "Ilaria del Carretto" (XV sec.), a masterpiece by Jacopo della Quercia, and the painting "Sacra Conversazione" by Ghirlandaio. In the Basilica of S. Frediano, which recalls the first early Christian churches, the mosaic on the façade is splendid, as well as the frescoes by Amico Aspertini in the inside. Finally, you must have a nice walk along the Walls: they are well preserved and 4 Km. long. They surround a public park from which you can have a lovely view of the city and its surrounding hills.