Italian Lucca(Lucca) is an interesting city to visit in Tuscany, which is remarkable for its historical center, surrounded by a completely preserved fortress wall. In addition to an interesting walk around the city, we were additionally lucky to see a costumed performance by the inhabitants of Lucca, who beat drums, staged a show with flags and walked around the city in historical costumes. This is also the only place in Russia where they sell goods under the “Made in Russia” brand.
A shabby-looking train arrives at the Lucca train station.
The fortress wall surrounding the historical center.
Lucca means “swampy” in local dialect, which is not surprising. The city is located at an altitude of only 19 meters above sea level and has many different bodies of water. Fish swim in the canal running outside the fortress wall.
There is also a small channel inside.
Loophole for trampling inside the wall.
At the top of the fortification there is a path along which you can ride a bicycle and see the city surrounding it.
View from the wall.
And this house is already inside.
Like most wealthy cities in Italy, Lucca owes its prosperity to its favorable location on trade routes. The Frankish road connecting France and Rome passed through it, as well as through. The legacy of that time is the Church of San Michele in Foro (Chiesa di San Michele in Foro).
You can place an electric candle inside the church.
In another church, smaller, but also landmark of Lucca, preparations are underway for the wedding.
Street trading is developed in the city. Second-hand bookstores ().
Street shopping arcades with all sorts of things.
Products from Russia are in demand.
I don't know where they are actually made, but the labels on the products are correct.
The girls are relaxing near the market.
In Italy you can get from city fountains drinking water ().
Approaching the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro market square, we heard drums beating. It turned out that local residents staged a show in historical costumes on the square. The drummers tap out the rhythm.
Girls with flags come out to the beat of drums.
The show begins.
The girls deftly throw flags to each other.
The performance is over.
Residents of the surrounding houses are watching what is happening.
The leader gives the command, and the entire orchestra begins to march towards the exit from the square.
They are followed by other participants in the performance, dressed in historical costumes. Having made a circle around the city to the beat of drums, the procession will return to the square and continue its performance.
Solid facades of the market square.
Church of San Frediano (Basilica di San Frediano), the façade of which is decorated with masonry.
Everything inside is quite ascetic.
But there is a diagram of the device church hierarchy, starting from the Pope and the cardinals. Reminds me of birds sitting on a tree.
Bell with long cord.
Sculpture.
In Lucca, many rings are installed around the windows, into which candles are stuck. Probably, when they all light up, it looks very beautiful.
Two barkers in national costumes communicate near the store.
Wide central street of the city.
The smaller streets are very narrow; the Roman builders were not worried about the problem of cars passing through.
In some places the roofs almost close together.
Therefore, the motorcycle is a popular mode of transport among Italians in Lucca. Fortunately the climate allows it.
When visiting Italy, you can’t help but stop in a city called Lucca, located on the Serchio River in the province of Tuscany. It is completely surrounded by a fortress wall, 4.2 km long, built back in the 16th-17th centuries. It protected the city not only from enemies, but also from floods, which often threatened to destroy many buildings. The architecture of Lucca is dominated by ancient buildings, churches and towers. Local residents proudly note that it was in Lucca that great composers like Giacomo Puccini and Luigi Boccherini were born. Centuries-old history has left its mark on all spheres of life of the townspeople, so Lucca will be of interest to all tourists who want to get acquainted with the customs of the country.
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But first things first. The journey begins by entering the city through the Porta san Pietro, built in 1565-1566. Previously, only they were open to foreigners who wanted to get to Lucca. The layout of the city has remained unchanged since the 3rd century AD, when the Romans ruled here. The city is divided into four parts by two streets, one of which runs from north to south (cardo), and the other from east to west (decumanus). They intersect in the center, and the remaining streets run parallel to them and divide the entire territory into small squares.
Piazza San Michele in Foro is located almost in the very center of the city. A church of the same name was built on it in the 12th century, famous for its unique architecture, which has survived to this day. The shape of the building resembles a huge majestic ship. On outside facade there is a statue of Archangel Michael.
They say that the saint’s hand is decorated with a ring with real diamonds, which was presented to the church as a gift by a grateful parishioner. Many people wait until the evening hour, when twilight is just beginning to envelop the city, to see a bright sparkling dot on the saint’s hand. Near the church there is a house that silently witnessed the birth of the baby Giacomo Puccini, who later became a great composer whose operas are still admired by the whole world.
There are many squares in Lucca. As soon as you move just a little away from one, you immediately find yourself on another. So, not far from San Michele there is a square called piazza di San Salvatore, which is popularly called Mercy Square. The church of the same name, built in the 12th century, has strict classical forms.
Following further along Via Roma and then Fallungo, you arrive at the Market Square, built in the shape of an oval. Crowds of people always gathered here. But before people they came to gaze at the brave gladiators who fought in the arena of the majestic amphitheater that previously stood on this site.
This explains the shape of the square and the presence of arched passages through which animals and people once came out to entertain the public with their bloody fights. Availability of this building suggests that Lucca was quite rich, since not many even large cities could afford such luxury.
The Basilica di San Frediano church deserves special attention. The fact is that this is the only religious building erected in the Romanesque style between 1112 and 1147. If you go inside the church, you can see its landmark - the baptismal font, made and installed here in the 12th century by the architect Roberto.
She has a few irregularities geometric shape with biblical scenes painted on it from marble. Under the altar is the tomb of the founder of the church of San Frediano, and a little to the right is the glass coffin of Saint Zita, revered in Italy by the common people and servants.
Leaving the marble vaults of the church and moving further, you come across the tower of the Torre delle Ore Clock. It was the first building in Lucca to have a clock installed on it in the 14th century. They differed from their modern counterparts in that they did not show time and did not even have a dial. Their duties were only to notify residents about the approach of midnight.
It is simply impossible to visit Lucca and not see Guinigi, which is one of the symbols of the city of Lucca. The tower is visible from afar and is an architectural masterpiece. The palace itself is not made in the form of one separate building, but is a small town. Small buildings, decorated with intricately shaped turrets, were built for members of the large Guinigi family. The founder of this dynasty ruled Lucca at the beginning of the 15th century.
All tourists are advised to climb this famous tower, where from a height of 44 meters an amazing view of the city and the surrounding area opens. This excursion costs only three euros, but the splendor of the panorama that opens can amaze those who have visited here for the first time. It is also surprising that centuries-old trees grow on the terrace of the tower. huge trees, among which there are oaks whose age exceeds five hundred years.
We descend from the Guinigi Tower and move on, because ahead is the main church and landmark of the city of Lucca, the Cathedral of San Martino, built in the 6th century, but after that it was rebuilt several times, and has come down to us in the form in which it was given in the 15th century. It begins to surprise and delight as soon as you enter. From all sides front door There are images that tell the story of St. Martin's life. Walking further, the eye begins to inquisitively search for a wall drawing depicting the Labyrinth. Ancient writings claim that this is the plan of the very labyrinth through which Theseus passed, led by the thread of Aridna.
In the sacristy you can see the sarcophagus in which Paolo Guinigi's wife Ilaria rests. At the time of her death, she had just turned twenty-six years old, so her grief-stricken husband asked the famous master Jacopo Della Quercia to create a worthy refuge for her beautiful young body. And the master created a real masterpiece, putting all his passion and skill into this brilliant creation, which is still admired by millions of people from all over the world.
But Jacopo Della Querch did not stop there and created a magnificent statue of John the Baptist for the Cathedral of St. Martin. Further, the attention of visitors will definitely be attracted by the wooden crucifix and the legend that is associated with it. They say that it was carved by Nicodemus from Lebanese cedar, and the image of Christ was suggested to him by angels. When leaving Lucca, many townspeople take with them a copy of the Volto Santo crucifix, confident that it will protect them from troubles and misfortunes on their long journey.
Completing the journey, we find ourselves in Piazza Napoleone, piazza Napoleone, so named due to the fact that Napoleon Bonaparte’s sister Eliza and her husband once lived in the palace located on this site. Now the palace is open to numerous guests who can visit the art gallery and the city library, which contains rare ancient books and manuscripts. Another collection of paintings is located in the neighboring Manzi palace building.
As for the best time of year to visit Lucca, there is no clear answer. In summer the city is quite hot and dry, but in winter it is moderately humid and warm.
To get to know the city's attractions in more detail, it is best to book a city tour. It lasts approximately three hours, is conducted by a Russian-speaking guide, and costs about 180 euros. This walk includes a visit to the Guinigi Tower, Piazza Napoleon, Giacomo Puccini's house and other attractions described above.
Having reached the city by car, it is better to leave your own vehicle outside the city walls in specially designated parking spaces. City of Lucca in an ideal way Suitable for walking or cycling.
City residents most often choose city buses, tickets for which can be purchased at any tobacco kiosks. Once at the train station, you can easily get to the center using electric buses.
While walking around such a wonderful city, you can’t help but visit small cozy cafes or restaurants. Lunch there for one person will cost approximately 30 euros. Let us add here that a bottle of water with a capacity of 0.33 liters costs about two euros, local beer will cost almost 6 euros per half liter, and a cup of coffee or cappuccino - 1.5–2 euros.
Of course, in expensive restaurants aimed at tourists, these prices are several orders of magnitude higher.
Discover the city of Lucca and you will definitely want to return to it again.
Overlooking the ancient ruins of a Roman amphitheater
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One of the oldest and most magnificent regions of Tuscany is Lucca. People often leave reviews about this town. After all, every person who comes here is satisfied. The holiday in the town is going great.
Lucca, which we will consider in the article, is located near the Serchio River.
Its history is rich in various events. Founded before our era, the city of Lucca during the period of early feudalism occupied a very advantageous position. It was located at the crossroads of roads that led to Rome, Parma, Florence, Pisa and Luni. In addition, the city was on the route of pilgrims who walked from northern Europe to Rome. The rulers of the city changed from century to century. By the end of the eighth century, the city was the residence of the Lombard dukes, then came under the patronage of the Frankish count. It was the capital of the Tuscan margraves.
In the Middle Ages it was a rich city. Mainly due to the development of banking and the sale of silk. The city achieved particular power in the fourteenth century, under the reign of Castruccio Castrani. From the seventeenth century until the end of the eighteenth, Lucca was the second largest city with a republican form of government. During the time of Napoleon Bonaparte, this city was turned into a principality and transferred under the protection of the sister of the French emperor, Elisa Bacciocchi. And in the middle of the nineteenth century, the city became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. And this is far from full list all the political vicissitudes that befell Lucca.
The city amazes all tourists with the abundance of its attractions. This is an ancient fortress and magnificent temples, incredible natural beauty and chic restaurants.
What is Italy, Lucca proud of? The sights of this place are really interesting. The city is famous for its fortress. Two of the four gates of the once mighty fortress are especially well preserved. The Porta Borghi, built at the end of the twelfth and beginning of the thirteenth century, as well as the Porta San Gervasio, erected in the first quarter of the twelfth century, are of enormous architectural and historical value. The gate is made in the Romanesque style, flanked by two beautiful and mighty towers, skillfully decorated with limestone. Rare frescoes have been preserved in the inner part of the hemisphere. With the image of the Virgin Mary and several saints. Tourists can admire the Porta San Donato, built in 1590. Their external facade decorated with sculptures of two lions made of marble.
The city's fortress walls are the oldest in Europe. Their length is more than four kilometers. Here, although in very small quantities, even the walls built during the Roman Empire have been preserved. This wall served as protection for the city until the beginning of the eleventh century, until it was destroyed by the Marquis Bonifaciodi of Tuscany for the disobedience of the townspeople. A fragment of an ancient Roman wall is part of the wall of the Church of Our Lady of the Rose. The city's residents took especially seriously the reconstruction of their defensive walls in the sixteenth century, rebuilding them using the best trends in the construction of defensive structures of that time. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, by order of Marie Louise of Bourbon, part of the wall was landscaped and turned into a luxurious park. Where in modern times there are not only great places for walking, but also cozy cafes.
About this locality, like Lucca, is often said to be a city of hundreds of temples. St. Martin's Cathedral was built back in the eleventh century, and then was added to and reconstructed several times.
This magnificent cathedral, with its marble facade, columns and portals decorated with sculptures, has priceless relics inside the building. For example, Tintoretto’s work “The Last Supper”, “Madonna and Saints” by Ghirlandaio.
And the sacristy and the altar part of the temple have the status of a museum. The cathedral houses the most famous relic of the city - the Holy Face.
What else is interesting about Lucca (Italy)? Reviews from tourists about this city are usually positive. People write that they liked the local shrines. For example, in the historical part of the city, in Piazza San Michele in Foro, there is the Church of St. Michael the Archangel. Four tiers of arcades rise above the main façade. At the very top there is a statue of the Archangel Michael slaying a dragon. And on the sides they stand. According to legend, an emerald is hidden in the statue of St. Michael. At certain times of day and in certain lighting, you can see its green reflection. And in the left corner of the facade there is a statue of the Virgin Mary. According to legend, it was installed by residents in 1480 in gratitude for the miraculous deliverance of the city from the plague epidemic.
What should you definitely see for those who are interested in a country like Italy? Lucca, whose sights are simply stunning, should certainly be on every tourist's list of cities to visit.
After all, there really is something to see here. For example, in the northern part historical center The city is home to the Basilica of St. Fredian. In the sixth century there was a church of Saints Vincent, Stephen and Lawrence here. At the end of the eighth century, the relics of St. Fredian were transferred here. And in the twelfth century the basilica was thoroughly rebuilt. In the thirteenth century, the church was built up by three meters, and the façade was richly decorated with mosaics. A couple of centuries later, side chapels were added to it.
The interior paintings of the temple amaze with their splendor and have enormous not only historical, but also artistic value. The relics of Saint Zita, highly revered by the townspeople, are also kept here.
The Ducal Palace is located on Place Napoleon. It is also called the Palace of the Signoria. Until the fourteenth century, there was a fortress of Augustus on this site, which was destroyed during a revolt of the townspeople. A palace was then built, which was occupied by many rulers, including Napoleon's sister Eliza Bonaparte, who was the local ruler in the early nineteenth century. Courtyard surrounded by galleries. Through a wide staircase you can enter the palace itself, which now houses various public services. In the Hall of the Main Council of the Republic there is a unique painting by the Flemish painter, as well as the fresco by Pietro Testa “The Liberty of Lucca”, dating from the seventeenth century.
What else is worth seeing for those who come to such a wonderful city as Lucca (Italy)? Attractions about which tourist reviews are most common. Thus, travelers note that Lucca is the birthplace of the outstanding opera composer of the mid-nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Giacomo Puccini. Therefore, when you come to this city, you should definitely visit the house-museum of a famous citizen.
Art lovers will be pleasantly surprised by the Pinacoteca of Palazzo Mansi, where unsurpassed masterpieces by Tintoretto, Titian, Ghirlandaio, and Domenichino are located. Grandiose paintings by outstanding masters will bring true pleasure to art lovers.
What else is worth seeing for those who have visited such a remarkable city as Lucca? Reviews from tourists confirm the fact that the most interesting building in terms of architecture and interior decoration is one of the oldest Dominican monasteries in the world, dedicated to St. Roman. The church was consecrated at the end of the thirteenth century, but from century to century some additions were made to it. Luxurious interior decoration made in Baroque style. For centuries, the monastery played an important role in the life of the city until it was abolished during the time of Napoleon. On the left side of the church there are funeral arches of members of the most noble families of the city.
As you may have noticed, all the interesting and beautiful sights that are located in a city like Lucca (Italy).
What should a visitor to the country see? Other beautiful temples. These include:
The visiting card of the city can be called the Guinigi Tower, built in the Romanesque-Gothic style. It was built by members of the Guinigi family, a noble and influential family during the Signoria.
What other interesting places is hidden in the city of Lucca? The attractions are very diverse. For example, there is a unique miracle of architecture here, which is called a tower with a garden. It is unusual in that trees grow on it. Therefore, when tourists climb observation deck, equipped at the very top, they can contemplate the wonderful panorama of the city from a height of forty meters, while being in the shade of magnificent trees.
What else should be seen by those who come to a city like Lucca (Italy), reviews of which are always positive?
Another architectural wonder is the Clock Tower. In addition to the fact that this is the oldest building of the thirteenth century, it has a magnificent clock. They were made in Geneva in 1754.
There are ancient theaters in the city. Which ones should you see? The Teatro Giglio, which in the nineteenth century successfully competed with the Teatro San Carlo in Naples and the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. It was built on the site of a dissolved Jesuit monastery. Interior decoration performed by outstanding masters of that time. Over the centuries, operas by the most famous composers have been staged here, and the best singers have performed on stage.
In addition, Lucca is a city that is home to many magnificent, luxurious villas and palaces.
Not only ancient buildings, divine beautiful nature, museums that house greatest works the most famous artists in the world, Lucca (Italy) is famous, about which tourists leave only positive reviews. This is a city of all kinds of festivals. There is a musical event here in July. In autumn there is a comic book festival.
Now you know what is interesting about Lucca, Italy. The attractions, photos of which are presented in the article, are worth seeing for every tourist. They are very beautiful.
Sights of Lucca. The most important and interesting sights of Lucca - photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, websites.
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Construction cathedral in Lucca was started in 1063 by Bishop Anselm (later by Pope Alexander II). This Roman Catholic cathedral is an outstanding architectural masterpiece, although somewhat heterogeneous in appearance due to age and numerous modifications.
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Like National Museum Villa Guinigi, this museum occupies an old rich mansion, where in the first half of the 20th century. moved from the Palazzo Pubblico part of the general collection of the National Museum of Lucca. The beautiful building of the Palazzo serves as a reminder of the centuries-old history of the noble Mansi family.
The most attractive part of Lucca for tourists can be considered the medieval part of the city - that is, everything that is surrounded by ancient protective wall. If you adhere to historical chronology when exploring the city, you should start with the Roman amphitheater, which is located on Via Fillungo ( main entrance from Piazza Scarpellini). True, you won’t see an amphitheater as such here. Medieval houses grew up exactly where spectators stood thousands of years ago. And its arena is still used today as a concert venue (Van Morrison and The Eagles once performed here).
The Cathedral of San Martino, built in the 14th century, is a wonderful example of Romanesque architecture. Not only does it look great from the outside, but it also houses a huge number of priceless historical and cultural treasures inside. See the famous crucifix, which, according to legend, was carved from wood by Jesus Christ's contemporary, Nicodemus, and the sarcophagus of Illaria del Carretto by Jacopo della Quercia.
Be sure to find an image of the Cretan labyrinth on one of the columns of the cathedral portico: it is, apparently, even older than the similar one in Chartres Cathedral (France).
The Guinigi Tower is also one of the must-see attractions in Lucca. Actually, you need to look not at the tower, but from it at the city. It’s extremely pleasant to do this, even despite the abundance of people who are always crowding at the top: firstly, oak trees were planted on the top of the tower about 400 years ago, providing shade, and secondly, the view itself is mesmerizing. It's definitely worth the climb up the 230 steps. The second tower you can climb in Lucca is the Clock Tower with still working original watch. From here you will see a beautiful perspective of Fillungo Street.
Via Fillungo is the main street in Lucca. It is full of bars, shops and other things that are so dear to the heart of a tourist.
A single ticket gives you the opportunity to climb both towers at a discount, but they are located in different parts cities.
Lucca is full of beautiful churches, each of which is special. The Church of St. Michael the Archangel is located in the center of the former Roman forum, and it is decorated with an amazing facade with numerous relief columns, which can be viewed for an hour straight (if you have good optics). The Basilica of San Frediano is distinguished by a monumental gilded mosaic at the very top, on the façade. The Church of St. Alexander is the most modest of all, neoclassical, but it will be very interesting for anyone interested in history and architecture.
Palazzo Pfanner is amazing: in the building itself only a few rooms are open to inspection, but the gardens can inspire admiration even among those who are completely indifferent to gardening.
The wonderful palazzos of Lucca also cannot be ignored. Between Villa Mansi and Villa Guinigi in the 20th century. The art collection of the National Museum of Lucca was distributed. Moreover, most of the collection’s objects are exhibited in the second mansion, while the first is predominantly a museum-like home of a noble and wealthy family. Palazzo Pfanner is amazing: in the building itself only a few rooms are open to inspection, but the gardens on its territory can inspire admiration even among those who are completely indifferent to gardening.
The latter fully applies to the terraced gardens of Villa Garzoni. This stunning former estate is located, however, not in Lucca itself, but almost on the very border of the province of Lucca. The gardens were created in the mid-17th century. next to the old castle, and they also have a beautiful “water garden” at the foot of the hill, under rows of balustrades.
Lucca is magnificent, this ancient city can make even the most seasoned tourist fall in love at first sight with its rich history, beautiful churches, luxurious restaurants... Hidden behind impressive Renaissance walls, Lucca is definitely one of those cities in Tuscany where you should stay for a holiday. end.
It's hard to imagine a more romantic city than Lucca in the spring. From the end of March to the beginning of June, the surrounding valleys and fields are painted in bright, rich colors, straight out of impressionist paintings. The bright greenery is diluted only by wild flowers, here and there playfully displaying 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 a low season, so staying in the city these days will not only be more profitable compared to July and August, but also more comfortable.
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 “set his eye on it,” and only thanks to the selfless efforts of the local population under the leadership of Castruccio Castracani degli Antelminelli, Lucca regained its independence for another 5 centuries.
Napoleon's extravaganza of arbitrariness 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.
APT Lucca Tourist Information Office: Piazza Santa Maria, 35
Phone/fax: 0039 0583 919931, 0039 0583469964
Lucca is located on the railway. route Florence - Pisa - Viareggio, so from here you can quickly and conveniently get to Pisa (about 3 EUR, 25 minutes travel time) 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 roads can be reached from Forno.
From the main bus station in Piazzale Verdi, CLAP buses go to almost all cities and villages in the region, for example, to 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 in Marina di Massa.
It’s easy to get around the city on foot; it’s not so big that you have to use a car or public transport. From the railway station, CLAP electric buses run to Corso Garibaldi and Piazzale Verdi, but many argue that it’s faster and more picturesque to walk.
Those who come to Lucca by car and have not booked a night at a hotel will hardly be able to drive into the center (inside the city walls): they will have to leave the car “outside”. But parking there is free.To call a taxi, call: 0583 95 52 00. Finally, for a leisurely exploration of the surrounding area of Lucca, you can rent a bicycle at Poli (Piazza Santa Maria 42) or Cicli Bizzarri (Piazza Santa Maria 32) for 2.50/12 EUR per hour/day .
If you want to dine like Puccini or the American modernist poet Ezra Pound, head to Buca di Sant'Antonio. This restaurant dates back to 1782, offering only “haute” cuisine at equally high prices (meals from 30 EUR). You can try lamb with olives, pasta with hare or roasted kid with artichokes, cooked in the traditional Luccan style. Buca di Sant’ Antonio is located near Piazza San Michele.
The best breakfast, they say, is served at Caffè di Simo - cappuccino and cornetto (Italian croissant) in an Art Nouveau interior. Nothing has changed since those magical times when Puccini played the piano here: neither the long, shiny bar counter full of all sorts of food, nor the leisurely service. The cost is quite reasonable - no one will ask you for more than 3-4 EUR for breakfast.
The best place to stop for a snack is at Forno A Vapore Amedeo Giusti. Better yet, 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 on Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. In addition, the Vecchia Trattoria Buralli restaurant, 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) offers traditional Tuscan cuisine.
A must-try is the typical Luccan sweet baguette bread Buccellato, with its unusual anise flavor. You can find it in small shops Taddeucci, near the Cathedral of St. Martin in the main square of Lucca.
Everywhere in the city there are elegant water fountains, you can not only drink from them, but even need them - the water here is clean, cold and fresh. Many locals even fill large containers with it to drink and cook at home.
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 immersing yourself in the world of silver trinkets, costume jewelry, bronze, antique carpets, accessories and books. Where and when to bargain: every third weekend in almost all the more or less large and significant squares of the city.
The main shopping alley of the city in its modern sense is Via Fillungo. There are boutiques of famous Italian brands (Missoni, Armani, Max Mara), simpler shops and souvenir shops. You can choose a bottle of wine or aperitif as a souvenir at Enoteca Vanni (Piazza del Salvatore 7).
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 are the ones who give the city a unique atmosphere of the Middle Ages, comfort, and romance. It's worth strolling around outside, inside and even above - paths lined with plane trees are laid along the wide walls.
The main architectural dominant of the city since the 6th century has been the Cathedral Church of St. Martin in Piazza San Martino. Inside the cathedral attracts attention tombstone Ilaria del Carretto and the statue of St. John the Evangelist, as well as works by Tintoretto (The Last Supper), Ghirlandaio (Madonna and Child and Saints) and Civitali (monuments to Da Noceto and Bertini). And thanks to the golden age of culture - the trecento - Lucca acquired a whole scattering of small churches and chapels with fancy facades. One of the must-sees is the Basilica of St. Fredian, where the incorrupt relics of St. Zita (1212-1272) are located.
It is not for nothing that the name Puccini has already been mentioned several times in the description of Lucca, because this city is the birthplace of the great composer. In addition, another Italian musical genius, 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 14th century Baptistery; as well as the 12th-century Church of San Giovanni and the monument to Marie Louise of Bourbon (1834).
Another outstanding religious monument of the city is the Basilica of San Freliano from the 12th to 14th centuries. elegant facade, decorated with the Ascension mosaic. Opposite is one of the most characteristic squares of Lucca - Piazza del Amphitheater, which stands on the site of a Roman amphitheater from the 2nd century. Nearby you can visit the Church of San Pietro Somalia, with its elegant Pisan-Romanesque façade and brick bell tower.
On Via Guinigi, two rows of brick buildings attract attention - the Houses of Guinigi. This is where the famous tower is located, top platform which is broken hanging garden. Behind the houses is the church of Santa Maria Forisportam (from the Italian “outside the fortress wall”) with a strict marble facade decorated with arcades and loggias.
The number of elegant and majestic palazzos, villas and mansions in Lucca exceeds all the decent limits appropriate for the size of the city. We will mention only the best of the best. For example, the unfinished construction of the great Ammannati - Palazzo della Provincia. Also notable is the 17th-century Palazzo Mansi on Via Galli Tassi. It's worth stopping here to explore the charming interiors and the 18th-century Marriage Bedroom, a carved baroque alcove. In addition, Mansi hides behind its facades the National Museum with an excellent collection of paintings by artists from the Renaissance to the 19th century. You can see works by Giordano, Bronzino, Veronese, Tintoretto. Nearby, taking another 10 minutes, you can admire the interior of the Renaissance Church of San Paolino with works of art from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Palazzo Pretorio is a palace worthy of attention, the construction of which began in 1492 according to the design of Civitali. Nearby is the church of San Michele in Foro, Pisan-Lucca Romanesque, 14th century. Behind the façade, topped with a statue of St. Michael the Archangel, are works by Filippino Lippi, Andrea della Robbiai and Raffaello da Montelupo.
Finally, you can check out Palazzo Bernardini and Villa Guinigi (not to be confused with Guinigi's houses). The latter houses a museum where it is worth visiting both departments: archaeological with finds from the times of the Etruscans and ancient Romans; and fine arts.
