Attractions
Guide
Lucca - Big City in the region of Tuscany, the center of the province of the same name. Located on a small hill on the banks of the Serchio River. According to the latest census, about 86,000 inhabitants live in Lucca.
Lucca was founded by the Ligurian tribes in the center of the alluvial plain of the Serchio River - hence the name of the city, which in the local dialect means "swampy". In 180 B.C. the Romans, who became the masters of the city, replanned it at their own discretion, laying perpendicular streets Cardo Maximus and Decumanus Maximus - these streets have been preserved in their outlines to this day, only today they are called Via Fillungo and Via Cenami. The ancient Roman forum has also been preserved - Piazza San Michele is now broken in its place.
During the Middle Ages, Lucca remained an important city, as the roads to Rome, Parma, Florence and Pisa passed through it, as well as the main transport artery of Italy at that time - Via Francigena. Despite constant conflicts with neighboring city-states, Lucca prospered through banking and the production and sale of silk. The peak of prosperity came in the 14th century, when Castruccio Castracani ruled in the city, but in the next century Lucca lost its status as the most important city of Tuscany, giving it to Florence. True, until the advent of the Napoleonic era (the end of the 18th century), the city retained a republican structure, and for a long time was considered the second largest Italian city with this form of government (after Venice). In 1847, Lucca was annexed to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, and later shared the fate of other cities of the Apennine Peninsula, becoming part of a single Italy.
Lucca is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Tuscany. Here, the ancient fortress walls have been completely preserved, from the top of which a charming view of the surrounding plains opens up - in spring these fields are painted in bright and rich colors, which gives Lucca a romantic flair.
Of the religious buildings, first of all it is worth seeing Cathedral San Martino, located on the square of the same name, was founded in the 6th century and acquired its current appearance in the Middle Ages. Inside are works by Tintoretto, Ghirlandaio and Civitali. Near the cathedral stands the 14th century baptistery, the 12th century church of San Giovanni and the monument to Maria Luisa of Bourbon. Many small churches with magnificent sculptural decoration and high square bell towers have been preserved since the “golden age” of Lucca - the 14th century (Trecento). Their Gothic façades often hide older walls and layouts. Another interesting temple - the Basilica of San Frediano - is notable for the fact that the relics of St. Zita are kept in it. And opposite the basilica lies Piazza del Anfiteatre.
The attraction of Lucca is the Guinigi Houses - two rows of brick buildings located on the street of the same name. It is here that the Torre Guinigi tower stands, on the upper platform of which oaks grow, and behind the houses you can see the church of Santa Maria Forisportam, attracting attention with its marble facade.
The highlight of Lucca is its ancient luxurious palaces and villas, of which there are incredibly many in the city. For example, the 17th-century Palazzo Mansi is notable for its opulent interiors and, in particular, the carved Baroque alcove. Today within its walls lies National Museum with a large collection of paintings ranging from the Renaissance to the 19th century. The Palazzo Ducale, the creation of the great Ammannati, was built on the site of the fortress of Castruccio Castracani, and the Palazzo Pretorio was built back in the 15th century according to the project of Civitali. It is also worth seeing Palazzo Bernardini, Palazzo Pfanner, Villa Guinigi with archaeological and art museums and Villa Garzoni, famous for its park with a pond. Finally, the city has two museums dedicated to its great natives, the composers Giacomo Puccini and Luigi Boccherini.
And in the vicinity of Lucca, you can go hiking in the Apuan Alps with a mandatory visit to the Oak of the Witches, which is over 800 years old!
Lucca is famous for being the home of one of the best antique markets in Italy - on its shelves you can find hundreds of silver jewelry, costume jewelry, bronzes, antique carpets, furniture, books and many other things. You can find all these "treasures" every third weekend in almost all areas of the city. In addition, shopping lovers will enjoy a walk along Via Fillungo, along which there are boutiques of famous Italian stamps.
Lucca is also rich in various festivals: in July there is a festival of pop and rock music, in August - the Puccini Festival, in September - a medieval festival and a fair on the city walls, and in late October and early November - a comedian festival.
This little-known city for the mass tourist is located 60 kilometers north of the capital of Tuscany - Florence. Currently, it is somewhat in the shadow of other famous Tuscan cities such as Siena, Pisa or Arezzo, but nevertheless, its visit is a must for anyone who wants to fully experience the Italian culture of the Renaissance.
Lucca (Italy) - attractions
The climate of Lucca is characterized by rather cool winters for Italy and very hot summers. The temperature in winter can often fall below zero, in summer it exceeds the thirty-degree mark. The city does not have its own airport, the nearest air terminals are located in Pisa (17 kilometers) and Florence (60 kilometers).
Luca is a city in Italy
It is connected with the north and center of Italy by the A11 high-speed toll highway, with the coast Tyrrhenian Sea- motorway A12. In addition, you can get to Lucca by train from any of the Tuscan seaside resorts or from the same Florence and Pisa.
Interesting! Lucca (Italy) is the name of this city in Italian. However, the origin of this name is still unknown to scientists. They still do not have any intelligible versions or explanations for this name. According to one, it comes from the Latin lucus (sacred forest), according to the other - from the Celtic luk (swampy place). But there is no evidence for either theory.
The history of the city has more than two thousand years and one culture replaced another here. However, there are no monuments of Roman architecture preserved here. The only thing that reminds of the existence of a Roman amphitheater here is the square of the same name. Medieval buildings are closely packed along the perfectly oval perimeter of the square, as if pressed against each other. You can get there only through two opposite narrow streets. The shape of the amphitheater that once existed here is perfectly preserved, which makes this place one of the most interesting places for tourists to visit.
However, most of all in Lucca attractions related to the heyday of medieval Tuscan culture in Italy. Lucca, Tuscany in Italy is one of the most interesting places for visiting.
Luca Italy
Architectural monuments
Immediately upon entering Lucca, a tourist encounters one of its main attractions - a medieval fortress wall built in the 16-17 centuries and preserved to this day almost intact. In one of its bastions there is one of the favorite cafes among local youth.
The city is small, you can easily get around it on foot in three to four hours. While walking along historical center it is worth seeing the brilliant monuments of the local baroque and rococo - the Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale), Palazzo Pfaner, Palazzo Mansi.
The latter houses the local art gallery, which displays, among others, works by such masters as Tintoretto and Veronese. In addition, the Palazzo Mansi admires the magnificent decoration of the palace, preserved from the 17th century, including the magnificent Hall of Music.
Important! You can visit the palace from Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30 and 14:30 to 16:30. Visitors are only allowed on organized tours. Ticket price - 4 euros*. Children under the age of 18 enter free of charge. You can book a visit online on the website.
Religious monuments
- Cathedral (Duomo). Dedicated to Saint Martin, the cathedral was built by order of the bishop of San Frediano in the 6th century. Subsequently, it was rebuilt several times and acquired its final form in the 13th century. The Romanesque facade, decorated with three rows of different shapes and colors, was built in 1204 by the famous master Giudetto da Como and later decorated with magnificent lunettes by Lombard masters. Particularly interesting is the right one - depicting agricultural work for 12 months. Inside the cathedral is the most famous tombstone in the style of the early Tuscan Renaissance, made in 1405 by the famous master Jacopo della Quercia, on the grave of Ilaria del Carretta, wife of one of the rulers of the city, who died at a young age.
- Church of San Michele in Foro. One of the most significant monuments Pisano-Luccan architecture. Construction began in 1070 and completed in the 14th century. Romano-Gothic elements are harmoniously combined in the snow-white facade of the church, on top of which rises a marble-bronze statue of St. Michael the Archangel, made by an unknown Lombard master of the 14th century. Inside there is a painting by the famous Tuscan painter Andrea della Robbia "Madonna and Child".
Note! The opening hours of the churches are from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00 daily, except on Mondays when they are closed in the morning. The visit is free. There is no hard dress code. If you visit the cathedral in slippers and shorts, no one will be expelled. At the same time, it is necessary to observe the generally accepted norms of decency. At the entrance, the visitor can take free booklets with descriptions of the main attractions (including in Russian).
- Among other interesting places to visit in Lucca is the house where the famous Italian composer Giacomo Puccini was born and spent his youth. Despite some changes that have taken place during this time, the atmosphere in which the musician lived has generally been preserved. Opening hours: June-August - from 10:00 to 18:00 (Tuesday-Sunday), September-June from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00 (Tuesday-Sunday). The entrance is free.
Surroundings of Lucca
There are several things to do in the vicinity of Lucca. interesting excursions. One of the most interesting is a tour of the villas of the local nobility. During the trip, which will take 4-5 hours, it is possible to get acquainted with the buildings built in the 16-18 centuries country residences Dukes of Lucca, counts and other nobles, preserved to our time from big parks and colorful gardens inspired by 17th century Tuscan park architecture. Opening hours - from 10:00 to 19:00 May-September (Tuesday-Sunday) and from 10:00 to 18:00 October-April (Tuesday-Sunday). The entrance is free.
Altar of the Duomo Cathedral
The second excursion, to the town of Collodi, located 30 kilometers from Lucca, is intended for children. It was there that the author of the book about Pinocchio, writer Carlo Collodi, was born. Now in the city there is a theme park for children dedicated to this literary character and the Collodi Butterfly House, where you can observe over 500 species of exotic butterflies in their real habitat. Opening hours daily from 10:00 to sunset. The entrance is free.
Shopping in Lucca
Lucca is rightly considered one of the main Italian centers for the production of leather bags and leather goods. Along the busiest shopping street in the city (via Fillungo) there are many shops selling exclusively local leather goods. All of them are different high quality and originality that allows you to stand out from the mass of goods produced by well-known brands. Payment is accepted exclusively in euros in cash or by bank cards (Visa, Master).
Lucca, city in Italy, map
Lucca is a cozy Italian town that is worth a visit to admire the outstanding sights and take a break from the daily hustle and bustle.
*Prices are current as of September 2018.
When discussing the cities of Italy that you are going to visit, do not forget about old City towers and churches - Lucca, the birthplace of Puccini and the former possessions of Napoleon Bonaparte's sister.
The historic center of the city, surrounded by colossal walls, includes a huge number of medieval and Renaissance palaces and many Romanesque churches. Long before others European cities realized the detrimental effect of exhaust gases on cultural monuments, the Lukkans forbade cars to enter the city walls.
Therefore, walking along the quiet old streets of Lucca, do not be surprised a large number cyclists. You can also rent a bike yourself from the Tourist Office in Piazza Verdi. It will help you save time, which, as always, will be disastrously short, on the way from one attraction to another, because there really is something to see in Lucca.
To the list of main attractions amazing city Lucca includes:
You should start your journey around the city from one of the most ancient buildings in Italy, a fortress built in the sixteenth century. The walls of the fortress separate the entire historical part cities.
It is noteworthy that the walls are so thick that a 4 km long road has been laid along them, which has long turned into a cozy shady boulevard. There are 11 bastions and six gates on the walls. Ironically, after the construction of the walls, no one attacked Lucca, so the walls were preserved in almost perfect condition. From the fortress itself, only two gates are well preserved: the gates of Borga and San Gervasio.
Looking closely at them, you can see a lot of turrets and frescoes depicting saints. Tourists should also pay attention to the gates of San Donato, decorated with magnificent statues of marble lions. On the wall of the Bastion of San Donato, you will see a plaque erected in 1981 in honor of Castruccio Castracani, who at the beginning of the fourteenth century liberated Lucca from the dominion of Pisa and conquered many neighboring cities.
There are many Roman amphitheaters in Italy, but the Luccan one is the most unusual. The amphitheater itself has long been destroyed, but its shape has been perfectly preserved thanks to the houses built along its outer wall. Now these houses form an ellipse. Four entrances to the square are located exactly where the gates of the amphitheater were once located.
Location: Piazza dell'Anfiteatro.
The house where Giacomo Puccini was born has long been turned into a temple of one of Italy's most popular opera composers. In addition to its connection with the name Puccini, this house is of interest as a typical example of a fifteenth century building.
The museum exhibits a variety of exhibits - including the Steinway piano, which Puccini played when composing Turandot, the composer's hat and coat. A series of postcards with his image can serve as evidence of great love for the composer. It is also fashionable to see the composer's letters and original costume designs for his operas.
Location: Corte S. Lorenzo, 9.
We advise you to stop in front of the entrance to St. Martin's Cathedral to admire its magnificent facade. Here you can see interesting architectural details. The cathedral was founded in the 6th century. The splendid marble decoration of the façade strikes the viewer's imagination. This is a fine example of the so-called Pisan Romanesque style. On the left half of the gate, you should pay attention to the bas-reliefs depicting the "Nativity" and "Descent from the Cross", the author of which is considered to be Niccolò Pisano.
Also amazingly good is the "Tree of Knowledge" with Adam and Eve at the bottom of the gate. On the third altar on the right is Tintoretto's The Last Supper. In the sacristy is Ghirlandaio's Maesta. Among the masterpieces of the cathedral is a magnificent white marble tomb located in the left aisle. Hilaria del Carretto is buried here. The tomb was created by the Sienese master Jacopo dela Quercia. Ilaria was the second wife of Paolo Guingi, the all-powerful ruler of medieval Lucca. Della Quercia depicted her as a sleeping young beauty, with a touching little dog at her feet, symbolizing the marital fidelity of the deceased.
This cathedral has a museum that shows how medieval buildings can benefit from cutting-edge technology. The museum houses many of the treasures brought here from the cathedral.
Location: Piazza Antelminelli.
The museum is located in Villa Guindzhi. The villa, another urban home of the city's rulers, is a luxurious yet very simple red-brick Renaissance building built in the eastern part of the city. Its collection includes a variety of exhibits ranging from archaeological finds to home furniture. Of particular interest are the Romanesque reliefs. The art gallery houses works by Luccan and Sienese artists.
Location: Via della Quarquonia - 4.
This recently renovated museum houses a large collection of costumes from the 17th and 18th centuries, including the magnificent silk robes that made Lucca famous. The palace garden, laid out in the eighteenth century and adorned with wonderful statues, is small but magnificent. The garden can be admired from the city walls.
Location: Via degli Asili - 33.
The Bourbons gave the city this large, ugly square, which is used as a parking lot during the day. The massive building, located on the western side of the square, was once the meeting place of the Republican Council, but then it was occupied by the Bourbons, and since that time the building has been called the Ducal Palace - Palazzo Ducale. Despite the lack of architectural beauties, Napoleon Square is the liveliest place in Lucca. Lilia Square adjoins it, with the most popular city theater "Teatro Giglio" settled on it.
Location: Piazza Napoleone - 27.
The palace, located on Napoleon's Square, has been rebuilt many times, it does not surprise with splendor from the outside, however, despite the usual appearance, inside you will find many original frescoes dating back to the sixteenth century.
Location: Cortile Carrara - 1.
The square was built on the site of the Roman forum. In the loggia, located on the south side of the square, there is a statue of a major artist of Lucca, Matteo Civitali. At the beginning of his career, he was a barber, and then became a sculptor and architect.
On the square you will see the Church of St. Michael in the Forum, striking the imagination with an unusual facade. The church began to be built, but the money ran out when even the nave was not completed. That is why the upper part of the facade, decorated with openwork loggias and columns, is light and seems to float in the air. The facade is crowned with statues of St. Michael and trumpeting angels.
The main attractions of the building itself - the Mansi Palace - are the bride's bedroom and a small reception room. Paintings, mostly portraits, are exhibited in much the same way as in the days when the palace was a family home. You will see portraits of the Medici family, as well as a portrait of Cosimo I by Bronzino, which perfectly depicts his cruel temper.
Location: Via Galli Tassi - 43.
Another Romanesque masterpiece of Lucca. The church was built in 1112-1147. and has not changed much since then. The façade is decorated with a magnificent Ascension mosaic by the Berlinghieri school. It is best to admire it in the evening, when gold sparkles in the beams of spotlights. The beautiful font inside the church belongs to the same period as the church. The relics of St. Zita are kept in the chapel behind the font. In the adjacent chapel you will see a fresco from the sixteenth century. It depicts, among other things, the acquisition of the Holy Face by Luke and the salvation of the city from the flood by Saint Frediano.
Location: Via Anguillara - 9.
This church is interesting for its name and facade. It was built behind the first ring of ancient Roman walls, and now it is inside the city walls, which helps to understand how the city grew. Modest but harmonious, the facade of the church, created in the thirteenth century, is designed in the Pisan Romanesque style.
Location: Vicolo Tommasi - 1.
Finding a massive city house is not difficult - an oak tree has grown on top of a huge tower. The palace, built in the fourteenth century of red brick, belonged to the rulers of the city. big tower open for visiting. At its top there is a small cozy garden. From the tower you can admire an amazing view of the city, so we advise you to overcome the 230 steps leading up.
Location: Via Sant'Andrea - 45.
The tradition of building towers was popular in Tuscany, as noble families demonstrated their influence and wealth with the help of towers. The clock tower was built in the thirteenth century. It got its name after a beautiful clock made in Geneva was installed on it in the fourteenth century.
Location: Via Fillungo - 26.
The church is located in the center of the city, its architectural details are very interesting. We can see elements of the Gothic style, preserved from the Middle Ages, Romanesque and Lombard styles. Separately, it is worth mentioning the baptistery of the church, which surprises with its arches. Above it, you will certainly see a beautiful dome going up.
In this old church fourteenth-century frescoes have been preserved, such as the "Baptism of Christ" of 1398.
Location: Via S. Giovanni.
The church, located on the square of the same name, is a prime example of Pisan-Luccan architecture. You can spend hours looking at the bas-relief of this amazing church; here you can see thousands of human faces, small figures and animals.
On top of the façade is a marble statue of Archangel Michael himself with bronze wings. The archangel slays the serpent at his feet with his sword. On the sides of the saint are two trumpeting angels singing the glory of St. Michael. It’s worth going inside the church at least because of the work of Filippino Lippi - “Magrini Altarpiece”
Location: Piazza San Michele.
Lucca is magnificent, this ancient city is able to fall in love with itself at first sight even the most seasoned tourist full of history, beautiful churches, luxurious restaurants... Tucked away behind impressive Renaissance walls, Lucca is definitely one of those cities in Tuscany where you should stop for a weekend.
It is hard to imagine a city more romantic than Lucca in the spring. From the end of March to the beginning of June, the surrounding valleys and fields are painted in bright, juicy colors that have descended from the canvases of the Impressionists. The bright greens of which are diluted only by wild flowers, here and there playfully exposing their delicate buds from the grass. The weather is like a perfect English summer: the sky is cloudless blue, and the wind is fresh and pleasantly cool. In addition, spring is still the low season, so staying in the city these days will not only be more profitable compared to July and August, but also more comfortable.
A bit of history
Founded by the Etruscans in 180 BC. e., Lucca became a colony of the Romans and remained in the status of a free self-governing city until the 12th century. In 1314, the ruler of Pisa "laid eyes" on her, and only thanks to the selfless efforts of the local population, led by Castruccio Castracani degli Antelminelli, Lucca again won its independence for another 5 centuries.
The extravaganza of arbitrariness by Napoleon ended in 1805, when he created the Principality of Lucca and placed his relatives on the throne, in particular, his sister Eliza. Twenty years later, power passed into the hands of the Bourbons, until Lucca became part of the Kingdom of Italy.
Information Office
APT Lucca Tourist Information Office: Piazza Santa Maria, 35
Tel/Fax: 0039 0583 919931, 0039 0583469964
Popular hotels in Lucca
How to get there
Lucca is located on the railway. Florence - Pisa - Viareggio, so from here you can quickly and conveniently get to Pisa (about 3 EUR, 25 minutes on the way) and Florence (5 EUR, 1.5 hours) via Pistoia (3.5-4 EUR, 45 minutes) and Prato (4 EUR, 1 hour).
The A11 leads west to Pisa and Viareggio and east to Florence. The SS12 and then SS445 road can be reached from Forno.
From the main bus station in Piazzale Verdi, CLAP buses leave for almost all cities and villages in the region, for example, in Castelnuovo (3-5 EUR, 1.5 hours). Lazzi organizes flights to Florence (5-7 EUR, 1.5 hours), Pisa (2-4 EUR, 45 minutes, departure every hour), La Spezia (5-7 EUR, 3 hours) and Marina di Carrara (3-5 EUR, 2 hours) with a stop at Marina di Massa.
Search for flights to Pisa (nearest airport to Lucca)
Transport
It is convenient to move around the city on foot, it is not so large that you have to use a car or public transport. From the railway stations to Corso Garibaldi and Piazzale Verdi are served by CLAP electric buses, but many argue that it is both faster and more picturesque to walk on foot.
Maps of Lucca
Those who came to Lucca by car and did not book a night at the hotel will hardly be able to drive into the center (inside the city walls): they will have to leave the car “outside”. However, parking is free.To hail a taxi, call: 0583 95 52 00. Finally, to take a leisurely look around Lucca, you can rent a bike from Poli (Piazza Santa Maria 42) or Cicli Bizzarri (Piazza Santa Maria 32) for 2.50/12 EUR per hour/day .
Cuisine and restaurants
If you want to dine like Puccini or American modernist poet Ezra Pound, head to the Buca di Sant'Antonio. This restaurant traces its history back to 1782, offering only "high" cuisine at the same high prices (a dish from 30 EUR). You can try lamb with olives, pasta with hare or roast goat with artichokes cooked in the traditional Lucian style. Buca di Sant' Antonio is located near Piazza San Michele.
The best breakfast, they say, is served at Caffè di Simo - a cappuccino and cornetto (Italian croissant) in an Art Nouveau interior. Since those magical times when Puccini played the piano here, nothing has changed: neither the long shiny bar counter full of all sorts of food, nor the slow service. The cost is quite acceptable - no one will ask you for more than 3-4 EUR for breakfast.
Pausing for a bite to eat is best at Forno A Vapore Amedeo Giusti. And even better - buy here all the ingredients for an unforgettable picnic: homemade focaccia with tomatoes, onions, olives, potatoes and mozzarella, artichokes, cheese. Address: Via Santa Lucia 18/20.
Dinner in Lucca should be unforgettable, so try it at Vineria I Santi. A small but very cozy restaurant with an amazing selection of wines in Piazza dell'Anfiteatro. In addition, the restaurant Vecchia Trattoria Buralli, hidden on Via San Giorgio, has proven itself to be excellent.
Locanda Eremo del Gusto (Via Gelli 35/37 - Petrognano - Capannori) is famous for its magnificent views of the city. Trattoria da Leo (Via Tegrimi 1) serves traditional Tuscan cuisine.
A must-tasting is the typical Luccan sweet baguette bread Buccellato (Buccellato) with an unusual taste of anise. You can find it in the small shops of Taddeucci, near the Cathedral of St. Martin on the main square of Lucca.
Everywhere in the city there are graceful fountains with water, it is not only possible to drink from them, but even necessary - the water here is clean, cold and fresh. Many locals even fill large bottles with it to drink and cook at home later.
Shops and shopping
Lucca is home to one of the best antique markets in all of Italy. So it’s worth giving free rein to your feelings and go headlong into the world of silver trinkets, jewelry, bronze, antique carpets, accessories and books. Where and when to bargain: every third weekend in almost all more or less large and significant areas of the city.
The main shopping alley of the city in its modern sense is Via Fillungo. Boutiques of famous Italian brands (Missoni, Armani, Max Mara), simpler shops and souvenir shops are located here. You can choose a bottle of wine or an aperitif as a keepsake at Enoteca Vanni (Piazza del Salvatore 7).
Guides in Lucca
Entertainment and attractions of Lucca
Lucca is one of the few Italian cities where the ancient fortress walls, more than 4 km in diameter, have been almost completely preserved. They give the city a unique atmosphere of the Middle Ages, comfort, romance. It is worth taking a walk around outside, inside and even from above - paths lined with plane trees are laid along the wide walls.
Since the 6th century, the main architectural dominant of the city has been the cathedral church of St. Martin in Piazza San Martino. Inside the cathedral, the tombstone of Ilaria del Carretto and the statue of St. John the Evangelist, as well as the works of Tintoretto (Last Supper), Ghirlandaio (Madonna and Child and Saints) and Civitali (monuments to Da Noceto and Bertini), attract attention. And thanks to the golden age of culture - the trecento - Lucca acquired a whole scattering of small churches and chapels with bizarre facades. One of the must-sees is the Basilica of St. Fredian, where the incorrupt relics of St. Zita (1212-1272) are kept.
The name Puccini has been mentioned several times in the description of Lucca for a reason, because this city is the birthplace of the great composer. In addition, another musical genius of Italy, Luigi Boccherini, was born here, and in 1995, 4 months before his death, Joseph Brodsky visited the city.
Not far from the church of St. Martin, a building with a Gothic dome attracts attention - this is the Baptistery of the 14th century; as well as the church of San Giovanni of the 12th century and the monument to Marie-Louise of Bourbon (1834).
Another outstanding religious monument of the city is the 12th-14th century Basilica of San Freliano, with an elegant façade adorned with Ascension mosaics. Opposite - one of the most characteristic squares of Lucca - Piazza del Amphitheatre, which stands on the site of a Roman amphitheater of the 2nd century. Nearby you can see the Church of San Pietro Somaldi, with an elegant Pisano-Romanesque façade and a brick bell tower.
On Via Guinigi, two rows of brick buildings attract attention - the Guinigi Houses. It is here that the famous tower is located, on the upper platform of which there is a hanging garden. Behind the houses is the Church of Santa Maria Forisportam (Italian for "outside the fortress wall") with a strict marble facade, decorated with arcades and loggias.
Palaces of Lucca
The number of graceful and majestic palazzos, villas and mansions in Lucca exceeds all decent, befitting the size of the city, frames. We will mention only the best of the best. For example, the unfinished building of the great Ammannati - Palazzo della Provincia. Also notable is the 17th century Palazzo Mansi on Via Galli Tassi. It's worth pausing here to see the charming interiors and the 18th century Matrimonial Bedroom, a carved Baroque alcove. In addition, Mansi hides behind its facades the National Museum with an excellent collection of paintings by artists of the Renaissance period - the 19th century. You can see the work of Giordano, Bronzino, Veronese, Tintoretto. Nearby, with another 10 minutes, you can enjoy the interior of the Renaissance church of San Paolino with works of art from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Palazzo Pretorio is a noteworthy palace, the construction of which was started back in 1492 according to the project of Civitali. Nearby is the 14th century Pisano-Luccan Romanesque church of San Michele in Foro. Behind the façade, crowned with a statue of Archangel Michael, are works by Filippino Lippi, Andrea della Robbia and Raffaello da Montelupo.
Finally, you can look at the Palazzo Bernardini and Villa Gvinigi (not to be confused with the houses of Gvinigi). The latter houses a museum where both sections are worth seeing: the archaeological section with finds from the Etruscans and the ancient Romans; and fine arts.
Lucca is a beautiful old city in Tuscany, one of the most interesting cities in Italy. Literally everyone who had a chance to visit Lucca told me about Lucca.
Lucca is the only city in Italy completely surrounded by a massive fortified wall that protected the city from floods. The walls have been rebuilt many times. The current length of the walls of Lucca is 4 kilometers 450 meters. Several gates have been preserved, which were closed when there was a threat of flooding. Through one of these gates we entered the city.
Eliza Bonaparte was once lifted here and carried to the city with the help of a special mechanism so as not to open the gates during the next flood.
At the beginning of the 19th century, by decree of this same Elisa, plane trees were planted on the walls of Lucca, forming wide boulevards around the city.
It turns out that I entered Lucca, violating the Medieval law, in the 16th century foreigners were allowed to enter the city only through the Porta san Pietro gate, where the customs was located.
The streets of Lucca are in most cases quite spacious and crowded.
It is not often possible to be alone with the Middle Ages in Lucca.
Some very lively, positive city, causes a comfortable feeling.
Palazzo Pretorio is located on the main square of San Michele, today the building houses the local municipality. On the same square -.
There were a lot of "falling" buildings in Lucca.
These buildings are residential, but…
Lucca has 130 towers, more than any other city in Italy. - the most high tower city, and the most famous - with oaks on top.
Towers are found literally at every turn.
The 12th century Church of San Salvatore is located in the square of the same name.
This square is also called Mercy Square.
There are several museums popular with tourists in Lucca. We came across a museum of torture, at the entrance to which a real guillotine is on display.
The Ducal Palace is located in the very center of the city, on Napoleon Square. The already mentioned Eliza Bonaparte lived in this palace.
Now in Ducal Palace Lucca houses offices of various cultural organizations, including the UNESCO Forum.
On an April day, there were a lot of flowers on the streets, not to mention the fact that the famous one simply turned into a flower market.
You can walk endlessly along the streets of Lucca, each time wandering into some new corners.
The city is big enough. And there are many tourists. Here, perhaps, this is the only thing that I did not like in Lucca ...
Many move around the city on bicycles.
You can rent a bike, we met several rental points. It is worth, however, pleasure is not cheap.
Next time we will try to ride iron horses around Lucca, although in some places cycling along the ancient pavement is probably not the greatest pleasure.
Behind these ancient doors hides the ordinary daily life of the inhabitants of Lucca, of which there are about 80,000.
Polls show that many dream of moving to metropolitan areas.
For half a day in Lucca, of course, we saw far from everything. I managed to look for a minute into a very beautiful cathedral.
We did not even reach the Duomo, having seen it only from the clock tower. We will definitely visit next time. Lucca has many museums. And in this city there is the smallest (70 sq.m) historical theater in the world - Teatrino di Vetriano. And there is a lot of everything that I would like to see ...
