Lucca

Lucca was originally a Roman city, and vestiges of this age may still be found in the foundations of much of the city centre, such as the oval-shaped Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the name of which explains its origin: the houses around the piazza were built on top of the walls of the ancient Roman amphitheatre, so that you can now sit and enjoy an espresso on the exact spot where gladiators duelled two thousand years ago.

This medieval and Renaissance town has been nicknamed the “City of 100 churches” but also boasts beautiful ancient palaces, towers and bell towers and some fantastic views. Don’t miss the cathedral and the churches of San Michele and San Frediano, jewels of late medieval religious architecture.

The cathedral contains some outstanding artworks, such as the Funeral Monument of Ilaria del Carretto, the tomb of the wife of Paolo Guinigi, lord of Lucca, by Jacopo della Quercia. But the work the local people love best is the ancient crucifix of the Volto Santo (also known as Santa Croce), said to represent the true face of Christ. Legend has it that it was sculpted by Nicodemus, aided by the grace of God, to pass on the true semblance of Christ, and brought to Lucca from the Holy Land during the Crusades.

But the best way to see Lucca is from the top of the Torre Guinigi or Torre delle Ore, towers built in the 14th century which are still in excellent condition and open to visitors. The big clock on the face of the Torre delle Ore was installed in 1754 by local clockmakers and is one of the oldest mechanical clocks in the world still in operation. From the top of the tower you can enjoy a splendid view of the roofs of the city, truly appreciating the beauty and harmony of the urban structure planned by the Romans and completed with the city’s beautiful 16th century walls.

The city is also home to the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, the great musician and composer, made into a museum in 2011 following an important restoration project which restored the apartment’s original plan and radically altered its set-up. It contains Puccini’s original furniture and precious possessions, including the Steinway & Sons piano on which he composed Turandot, handwritten scores of his earliest compositions and many other artefacts from his day.

Near Lucca

Lucca is set in an extraordinary natural landscape, and it would be a pity not to take some time to enjoy it while staying in the Tuscan town. Only a few minutes from the town centre is the Serchio River Park, where visitors can take a stroll, go canoeing or hiking or just have a picnic. Not far away are the beautiful villages of Montecarlo, Capannori, and Altopascio, famous for its bread. A few kilometres up the Serchio River is one of the area’s most important attractions: the Ponte del Diavolo, or Devil’s Bridge, an extraordinary medieval construction so daring that it was thought to have been built by the devil himself. A little farther away is the Garfagnana, known as the "green island" of Tuscany for its rivers, lakes, forests and hills. It is also worth spending a few hours in Castelnuovo, with its wealth of historical monuments.

There are numerous stately homes near Lucca, perfectly preserved and open to visitors, surrounded by the carefully tended gardens in the Italian style that used to be the pride of every noble family. In these villas we may admire not only the elegant architecture, statues and frescoes, but furniture, mirrors, decorations and artworks that belonged to the noble families of the past, truly immersing visitors in the atmospheres of times gone by.

San Pancrazio is home to two big elegant Renaissance villas, Grabau and Oliva, while in Vicopelago the late Renaissance Villa Bernardini shows off the best of late 16th century Tuscan art.

Don’t miss the splendid Villa Mansi in Segromigno a Monte, with its genteel, refined Baroque style and splendid gardens rivalling those of the great Villa Torrigiani in Camigliano, a magnificent example of 17th century Tuscan Baroque architecture.

Lucca Comics

Lucca Comics & Games is an international festival of comics, animation, role games, board games, video games and everything to do with fantasy and science fiction, held in Lucca at the end of October/beginning of November. It is considered Italy’s most important event of its kind, the second biggest in Europe and the third biggest in the world.

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Lucca Summer Festival

Lucca Summer Festival of popular music: the city of Lucca, surrounded by its splendid walls, hosts concerts in the magical atmosphere of Piazza Napoleone, Piazza San Martino and Piazza dell'Anfiteatro. Past stars of the Lucca Summer Festival include James Brown, Mark Knopfler, Jamiroquai, Seal, Zucchero, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Anastasia and many more.

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