LUCCA DISCOVERING THE CITY

With this itinerary we retrace the history and development of the city through the centuries by observing the monuments we encounter. Founded as a Roman colony in the 2nd century BC, Lucca flourished in the Middle Ages, becoming one of the richest cities in Europe thanks to its brocaded silk production. This wealth allowed for the construction of beautiful churches, splendid palaces, and elegant squares. Located along the Via Francigena, the city became a crossroads for merchants, pilgrims, and great artists. With the construction of its walls, Lucca was an independent Republic from the 12th century until Napoleon’s conquest in 1799. Traces of these historical events remain in its squares, palaces, and monuments. A truly fascinating and elegant city.

Lucca’s city walls are truly unique: about 4 km long, 12 meters high, and an astonishing 30 meters wide. Nowhere else in the world are there walls of such dimensions, still intact and original—thanks to the fact that Lucca was never attacked and the walls were never destroyed. What we see today are the Renaissance walls, begun in 1513 and completed 100 years later, built over the medieval fortifications. Along the way we can still see remnants of the old walls, ramps, and bastions. A walk on the walls is especially pleasant thanks to more than 300 trees and the chance to admire the city from above.

The illustrious citizen Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca in 1858. After studying in Milan, he conquered the world stage with his immortal operas such as "Madama Butterfly", "La Bohème", and "Turandot". The Maestro was born just few steps from Piazza San Michele, once the site of the Roman Forum—the very heart of Lucca. The square is dominated by the magnificent Church of San Michele with its Romanesque-Gothic façade, richly decorated with carvings of domestic and fantastic animals, geometric and floral motifs, as well as angels and saints.

Lucca’s cathedral is unique in its kind: a 13th-century façade leans against its 11th-century bell tower, creating a distinctive architecture. Under the portico are splendid reliefs, both sacred and profane: a Nativity by Nicola Pisano (1260), scenes of the months, zodiac signs, a Cretan labyrinth, and more. Inside are important works of art, but above all, the oldest wooden crucifix in Western Christendom: the Volto Santo, dating back to the 8th century.

Via Fillungo was Lucca’s main commercial street in the Middle Ages—and it still is today. Running north to south, the street features the elegant shop windows of historic stores and medieval towers. Towering above it is the Torre delle Ore, named for its Swiss-made clock from the mid-18th century. Not to be missed is the Guinigi Tower, built by Paolo Guinigi, lord of Lucca from 1400 to 1430. With its splendid rooftop garden (accessible after climbing 230 steps), the tower offers a breathtaking 360-degree view over the city.

This is one of the most beautiful squares in Italy: built as a Roman amphitheater in the 2nd century AD, its center corresponds to the arena. Surrounding the space where the stands once rose are now homes, creating a unique view. Near Piazza dell’Anfiteatro stands the Church of San Frediano, the only one in Lucca with a Byzantine mosaic on its façade. Built in the 6th century, the church was enlarged and enhanced between the 13th and 17th centuries. Inside it houses the naturally mummified body of Saint Zita, along with other notable works of art.