Italian onion. Lucca Italy - attractions, city on the map. Lucca Cathedral
Do you want to organize a trip to the city of art Lucca and need accurate information? Do you want to know? why tourists love this medieval Italian city and are in no hurry to leave here? Quick guide around the city will help you.
Briefly about the history of the city
Hotels in Lucca and satellite map
Where to stay in the cityHotel Noblesse |
What museums are worth visiting?
The great Italian opera composer was born in Lucca Giacomo Puccini. Visit the Composer's House Museum and get acquainted with the stages of his life and work, see family portraits, letters and notes of the composer, as well as the famous Steiway piano on which the masterpiece was created Turandot. (1926). Address: Piazza San Michele. Price entrance ticket- 7 euros. Schedule:
Pinacoteca Palazzo Mansi- for art lovers. Mostly paintings from the 19th century are presented here. You can also enjoy the works Tintoretto, Titian, Ghirlandaio, Veronese And Domenichino. Address: Via Galli Tassi, 43 (on the map). The entrance ticket costs 4 euros. Schedule:
On weekdays: from 8.30 to 19.30
Weekends and Monday: closed
National Museum Villa Guinigi(on via della Quarquonia). Among the many exhibits from different eras, the most notable are painted cross Berlinghiero Berlinghieri, SorrowMatteo Civitali, Ecstasy of St. Catherine of Siena work Pompeo Batoni, Madonna of Mercy Florentine artist Fra Bartolomeo. Schedule:
Tuesday - Saturday: from 8.30 to 19.30
In July and August it is also open on Sundays from 8.30 to 13.30
Closed - Monday
Image gallery - Villa Guinigi:
Media World- Via delle Cornacchie 960, Località Le Catena 55100 Lucca What elseTake the opportunity to cycle along the city wall. Just a few kilometers from the city there is a lake Lago di Massaciuccoli. Take a boat ride and enjoy the magnificent panorama. Routes in the reserve have been developed for naturalists igliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli. Restaurants and pizzerias in Lucca - editor's choiceOsteria del "Vecchio Pazzo" - Via di Matraia, San Pancrazio - 55100 Lucca Tel 0583-579131 How to get to LuccaBy plane - nearest airports: Pisa Airport "G. Galilei" By bus: Lucca's bus station is located in Piazzale Verdi in the historical center of the city. By train: Lucca train station is located behind the fortress walls near the S.Pietro gate in the square Piazza Ricasoli. From Florence: railway S.Maria Novella station
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Reviews of the trip to Lucca (Italy, Tuscany). What to see and where to go in Lucca. Sights and monuments. Hotels and apartments in Lucca. Prices. Diary of a motor rally in Europe
Keywords: Reviews about the trip to Lucca (Tuscany), attractions, excursions, hotels and apartments in Lucca.
Just 17 kilometers from the world famous Pisa there is no Big city ok called Lucca. For us, Lucca became one of the most pleasant and unexpected discoveries during our motor rally: this city left very pleasant memories of itself. To be honest, visiting Lucca was not part of our plans; we came here “at the last minute”, having canceled our trip to Florence - there was not enough time. But, as I already said, we never regretted it.
Tuscany, of course, is no worse than Liguria, except that it doesn’t have such a picturesque and extended coastline, but Tuscany also has its own charms. What can I say, in any Italian province has its own zest; even in the most seemingly remote settlements you can find a lot of interesting things. Well, Lucca is quite a large city by Italian standards, about 90 thousand inhabitants live here and the first mentions of this settlement date back to a couple of centuries before the beginning of our era, so, as you understand, the historical heritage here is also in complete order.
The medieval city center is a real fortress, where the tall fortress walls are completely preserved. From above, the center of Lucca looks like this:
Entry into the historical center of the city is traditionally allowed only with special passes, so we are looking for parking closer to the city gates. This time we were lucky and one place just became available in the center of the square. True, it is always difficult to fit into a parking space intended for regular public transport in Italy with our “slightly increased dimensions”, but during our trip to Europe, a similar picture became familiar:
When we approached the gate, the fortress wall made a strong impression. Therefore, we did not go to the center at first, but decided to walk along the alley into which the ramparts were turned along the entire perimeter of the old city. The results here are simply amazing, honestly!
This is both a walking alley and an amazing park.
And "islands" of entertainment
And views of the old city
This is where you begin to regret that we only had about four hours of time - this is clearly not enough to truly get into this city. What can I say, this is not enough even for a quick look around Lucca.
The most famous city square is the Piazza del Amphitheater, which is an oval shape, framed on all sides by ancient buildings and has four exits in the form of gates and arches.
This is what the square looks like from above
The best antique and souvenir shops await you here! The biggest impression was made by the souvenir store (or something in the area of thousands of useful, but not cheap little things) “Sisters” (“Le sorelle”) - just a storehouse of exclusive designer “things”. Such a pleasant atmosphere and a memorable logo, I even took a self-portrait against its background :)
Although Lucca is not a very big city and its name is not particularly well-known, it should be noted that shopping today is in perfect order. From the world's most famous brands to completely exclusive leather goods that are made here and can only be purchased here. Believe me, there is something to look at. However, buy it too :)
And, of course, medieval streets, palaces and churches. It's just eye-opening!
Sometimes there are “inserts” of modern art :)
And here you can taste ice cream right on the rope swing and right in the cafe
Lucca even has something of Amsterdam, by the way
I don’t know, maybe somewhere this can be seen quite often, but having traveled to quite a few European cities, we first saw as many as five “No Entry” signs on one “patch”! Four
And another one on the opposite side of the street
As a result, we spent one of the most unforgettable days. Or rather, just a few unforgettable hours. And I’ll tell you what: if you’re planning to vacation in Tuscany or travel around Italy by car, be sure to visit this wonderful city. I would even recommend staying in Lucca for a couple of nights. Unlike Pisa, there is something to see and where to walk.
You can find a hotel or apartment here.
If you have never been here, you will be surprised. Lucca(Lucka) – beautiful city With rich history, one of the most famous and popular in the Stage on the Via Francigena, home to many foreigners, birthplace of Puccini's music. The city is surrounded by a 15th century wall. with a perimeter of 4 km. Inside is the historical center with narrow streets and picturesque squares, where medieval houses and Renaissance palaces stand.
A sure testament to how this place ranks among America's favorite places. The city walls were built over the course of a century, from 1504. They are 4.2 km long and 30 m wide and are a unique symbol of the city. From the time of the Roman Empire, a stone circle remains, on which houses now rise. They form Amphitheater Square(Piazza Anfiteatro), where they hold various events and just have a good time.
The secular and religious buildings mainly date back to the 11th and 12th centuries, when, thanks to merchants and bankers, the city reached an international economic level. There are a lot of buildings from the commune era, including tower houses, for example, Guinigi Towers(Torre Guinigi) and Clock Towers(Torre delle Ore).
The heart of the city - Napoleon Square(Piazza Napoleone), or, as the locals call it, Great Square (Piazza Grande). There are located ducal palace, chairmanship of the provincial government (construction began in 1578 according to the design of the architect Ammanati). Also located there Giglio Theater(Teatro del Giglio) and Art Institute(Istituto d'Arte).
This is where events such as Lucca Comic(Lucca Comics) in late October - early November. Also Summer Festival(Summer Festival) in July - a celebration of Italian and world rock music. A little further away stands the majestic Cathedral of St. Martino(Cattedrale di San Martino), a church built in the 13th century. on the ruins of an 8th century church. Inside it are collected true masterpieces by the hands of Matteo Civitali, Paolo Guinigi, Ghirlandaio, Tintoretto, Passignano, Fra Bortolomeo, Jacopo Ligozzi and Alessandro Allori.
On Via San Paolino we find another important square - the square Saint Michele(Piazza San Michele) with the church of St. Michele of the same name from the mid-12th century. It combines Pisan and Romano-Lombard styles. Inside there is a Latin cross and many objects of art, including the famous Madonna and Child by Andrea della Robbia and a table by Filippino Lippi with images of Saints Girolamo, Sebastiano, Rocco and the Empress Helena (also known as Pala Magrini around 1483).
Another Pisan-Romanesque-Lombard church – Basilica of Saint Frediano(Basilica di San Frediano), built in honor of the patron saint of Lucca and depicting him on the facade in the form of a mosaic. Be sure to pay attention to it! The building itself was erected in the Middle Ages, and the mosaics were added seven centuries later. The importance of this church cannot be overstated. Mosaics, interior decoration, a number of Renaissance frescoes, valuable sculptures - all this makes it one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. It also houses the tomb of another patron saint of the city - Saint Dzita, whose mummified body lies in a transparent capsule.
The most interesting churches
In the city of a hundred churches, you can still choose the most interesting of them. For example, church Saints Giovanni and Reparata(Chiesa dei santi Giovanni e Reparata), standing on the square of the same name between Place Napoleon and Place Saint Martino. An ancient basilica with a square-shaped baptistery, whose foundation was laid back in the 4th century. and until the 7th century. served as a cathedral. The church was rebuilt many times; now it is a Romanesque building with a characteristic portal, where a museum with interesting historical finds is located. Also, Puccini concerts are held here every week and just classical music. Very interesting also Church of Santa Maria della Rosa(Chiesa di Santa Maria della Rosa) - the heart of another patron of Lucca - Saint Gemma. It was built in 1309 and turned into a chapel, with the Madonna and Saints Peter and Paul depicted inside.
Among the buildings let us also remember Villa Paolo Guinigi(Villa di Paolo Guinigi) 1418, where it is now located Guinigi National Museum(Museo Nazionale Guinigi) - it is not to be missed - with sculptures and finds from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, archaeological materials of the Etruscans, Romans and Ligurians.
National Gallery of Art(Pinacoteca Nazionale), in turn, is located in Mansi Palace(Palazzo Mansi) 17th century. It contains an excellent collection of Italian and foreign artists: Vasari, Jacopo da Bassano, Tintoretto, Veronese, Bronzino, Andrea del Sarto, Guido Reni, Domenichino, Pontormo, Pompeo Batoni. Two more important attractions of the city are: Botanical Garden and the house of Giacomo Puccini. It was in this house that his most famous operas were written: La Boheme, Tosca, Turandot... The composer was born here, in the historical part of the city, a stone's throw from Piazza San Michele, in 1858 and lived most of his youth until he moved to Milan in 1922 Today this building is the house-museum of the great Italian composer. Here you can see items that belonged to his family, including various awards from the maestro from the beginning of his career in Lucca as organist of the Church of San Paolino.
Botanical Garden lies on two hectares in the south-eastern part of the city center. It was founded in 1820 by Maria Luisa Bourbon, Duchess of Lucca (on the initiative of Elisa Bonaparte in 1814). The garden is divided into sectors: fruit plantings, lake, etc. A real oasis beauty and peace.
Excursion into the history of Lucca
The first traces of human settlement in Lucca date back to the time of the Ligurians. Evidence indicates that the city was founded on one of the islands of the Auser River, or Serchio as it was called in ancient times, so the name of the city itself may come from the root "onion", denoting a swampy place. With the arrival of the Etruscans in the 7th-6th centuries. BC. Lucca experienced a demographic, economic and cultural boom.
The first mention of the city is in the “History” of Titus Livy in 218 BC. After lengthy military operations of the Romans against the Ligurians in 180 BC. Lucca together with Pisa they were annexed to the province of Liguria. In 59 BC. the city became the meeting place of the triumvirate of Pompey, Caesar and Crasso. During the Empire Lucca became an important point at the intersection of the roads of Cassia, Clodia and Aurelia and experienced its heyday (especially in the 1st-2nd century AD). The most global archaeological finds - the ruins of the first walls, the Amphitheater, the Terme Massaciuccoli and the Theater - date back to this period.
With the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476, the city was occupied by the Goths, Byzantines (552) and Longobards (570), with the latter the city becoming the center of an important duchy. The main churches were also built under them. The Carolingians deprived Lucca of primacy in Tuscany (Florence became the center), and in the 10th-11th centuries. the city experienced an era of severe decline.
13th-14th centuries: important years for Lucca
Already in the 12th century. the city began to rise again: entrepreneurs established a new mint and openly began to compete with Genoa and Pisa. Despite endless wars with Florence, Arezzo, Siena, Prato, Orvieto and Can Miniato, the period from the 12th to the 13th centuries. was, without a doubt, one of the most successful in the history of Lucca. The silk trade and the activities of local entrepreneurs in general brought fame and wealth to the city, and in 1119 they made it an independent commune. At the Diet of San Genesio in 1162, the inhabitants of Lucca received full autonomy from Emperor Federico Barbarossa. In the 14th century the city grew, the neighborhoods of San Frediano and Santa Maria Forisportam appeared.
Castruccio Castracani
The struggle between Guelfi and Ghibellini, between Whites and Blacks, between the most influential families, led to power in 1314 by the tyrant Uguccione Faggiola. It took the inhabitants, led by General Castruccio Castracani, two years to free themselves from it. Castruccio's reign was distinguished by the greatest expansion of the influence of the commune, which in short time annexed Pistoia, Volterra and Luni, simultaneously defeating the Florentines at the Battle of Altopascio in 1325 and 1327. The general died of malaria in 1328 during his triumphant return from Florence. With his death came new period decline. The city passed from one hand to another: King Giovanni of Bohemia, Rossi, Scaligeri, and finally Pisa - from 1342 to April 7, 1369, when Lucca received a decree from Emperor Charles IV on complete autonomy.
15th century and the great Paolo Guinigi
In 1400-1430 Lucca belonged to Paolo Guinigi, and during these years there was a new flourishing that made the city richer and more beautiful. At the same time, the walls were strengthened to resist any invaders.
Lucca in the 16th-19th centuries.
In 1556, the Aristocratic Republic was founded in Lucca (which lasted until 1799). Since the 16th century. the city experienced an incredible flowering of musical culture, thanks to the activities of Guami, Malvezzi, Gregori, Gasperini, Gemignani and Boccherini. This tradition reached its zenith several centuries later with the arrival of Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924).
Principality of Elisa Baciocchi
Three years after the arrival of Napoleon Lucca acquired a new status, becoming in 1805 a principality under the control of the emperor’s sister, Elisa Bacciocchi, wife of Felix Bacciocchi. At that time, many reforms were carried out in favor of the people; sciences and arts flourished. After a short Austrian rule (1815-1817), in 1817 Lucca became a duchy and passed first into the hands of the Spaniard Maria Louise of Bourbon (1817-1824), and then into her son Charles Louis (1824-1847). Their dominance was marked by the architectural masterpieces of Lorenzo Nottolini, who also created the most beautiful road on the city wall. At the same time, the Savings Fund arose, the resort of Viareggio began to develop and thermal springsLucca. In 1847, the Bourbons left the city, where the Grand Duchy of Tuscany was established under Leopold II. By an act of March 11, 1860, it became part of Piedmont, which completed the unification of Italy the following year.
Important events in Lucca
There are many interesting dates Lucca– a very lively city. On September 13, the religious Holy Cross is celebrated, during which a crucifixion procession takes place and the city is illuminated with a thousand lights. Saint Dzita, April 27, Summer Festival, Murabilla, gardening festival, early September; July 12 – Saint Paolino, patron saint of the city; and of course – the Women's Jazz Festival...
Tuscany. Of course, you can hear or read it 100 times, but it’s best to see this once a beautiful city together with our positive team of local guides from .
In the 2nd century BC. Etruscan city Lucca, located in the valley of the Serchio River, became a Roman colony. In the ancient period, the city became one of the largest military camps of the Roman Empire and was already quite rich, and by the 13th century Lucca became a major trading center in Europe and was one of the first to establish contacts with the countries of the East. The city remained independent until the arrival of Napoleon, who conquered the Tuscan lands and gave Lucca to his sister Elisa Baciocchi, who ruled here until 1814. Then the Luccan province briefly went to the Bourbons of Parma, in 1847 it was returned to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and 14 years later it became part of the united kingdom of Italy.
walls(XVI-XVII centuries). Their length is 4200 m.
You can spend half a day exploring Lucca.
Get your bearings:
From the station to piazza Ricasoli (Piazza Ricasoli), located south of the city walls, you can walk towards the northwest to piazza Risorgimento (Piazza Risorgimento) and through Gate of Porta San Pietro (Porta San Pietro) – inside the walls. Leads north towards the city center via Vittorio Veneto (via Vittorio Veneto) via piazza Napoleone (Piazza Napoleon) and further to piazza San Michele (Piazza San Michele).
Sights of Lucca:
The city is famous for its perfectly preserved defensive walls(XVI-XVII centuries). Their length is 4200 m. The powerful walls (height - 12 m, width - 35 m) and bastions are in good condition, partly due to the fact that the city has practically not taken part in military operations since their construction. IN late XIX century, an unusual city park was laid out on the defensive fortifications - several rows of plane trees were planted here, wide alleys were laid out, and children's and sports grounds were built.
Lucca has many churches - it is sometimes called the “City of a Hundred Churches”. On piazza San Martino (Piazza San Martino) there is the most important of them - the cathedral CathedralSan Martino).
Tourist route in Lucca:
Starts from the station and passes by the main attractions of the city. The entire route - 3.5 km - can be completed in a couple of hours.
Construction of the temple began in 1063 by order of Bishop Anselm, the future Pope Alexander II. The Romanesque apse and bell tower have been preserved, but the nave and transepts were rebuilt in the 14th century, already in the Gothic style.
At the entrance to the cathedral, on one of the pilasters on the right side there is a carved labyrinth. The ancient Latin inscription to the right of it says that this is an image of a labyrinth built by Daedalus on Crete, from which no one could find a way out except Theseus, who was saved by the love and thread of Ariadne. Similar labyrinths are found in other Italian churches.
In the center of the right nave is Volto Santo Chapel(Chapella Volto Santo, Matteo Civitali, 1484), where the main relic of Lucca is kept - a wooden crucifix. According to ancient legend, the image of Christ was carved from Lebanese cedar by the evangelical Nicodemus, who was present at the crucifixion. The Volto Santo has been kept in Lucca since the 8th century, and every year, on September 13, a grand procession is dedicated to it.
Sarcophagus of Ilaria del Caretto(1406) is kept in the sacristy. The ruler of Lucca, Paolo Guinigi, commissioned it from the Siena sculptor Jacopo della Quercia to perpetuate the memory of his wife, who died in her youth. This marble tombstone is considered one of the most valuable works of art kept in Lucca. In the cathedral there is another work by the same master - a statue of John the Baptist, as well as works by Ghirlandaio, Tintoretto and Fra Bartolomeo.
The western and northern facades of the cathedral face respectively piazza San Martino (Piazza San Martino) and piazza Antelminelli (Piazza Antelminelli), from where via Duomo (via Duomo) leads to Church of San Giovanni(Chiesa di San Giovanni) on the square of the same name.
Chiesa di San Giovanni
The church was rebuilt many times and suffered greatly during the French occupation. on the façade (1589) a Romanesque portal from the 12th century has been preserved; in the interior, three naves are separated by antique Roman columns; the wooden coffered ceiling dates back to the 16th century.
Giglio Theater
Next door is piazza Giglio (Piazza Giglio), where the opera house of the same name is located Giglio Theater(Teatro del Giglio, 1819). At the beginning of the 19th century, this stage was extremely popular in Italy and was a worthy competitor to the theaters of San Carlo in Naples and La Scala in Milan.
The urban layout has been preserved since ancient times. Via Cenami (via Chenami) and via Fillungo (via Fillungo), going from north to south, as well as via S. Paolino (via San Paolino), via Roma (via Roma) and via Santa Croce (via Santa Croce) in the direction west - east divide Lucca into four parts. Near their intersection there was a city forum, on the site of which is now located piazzaSanMicheleinForo(Piazza San Michele in Foro), or simply Foro (Foro).
Chiesa di San Michele in Foro
There is a church here San Michele in Foro(Chiesa di San Michele in Foro), which was built over several centuries. The lower tier of the main facade is made in the Romanesque style, the remaining levels are decorated with Gothic loggias (13th century). The bell tower dates back to the 14th century.
On the main façade there is a marble sculpture of the Archangel Michael with metal wings. In the city they say that one wealthy parishioner, struck by the beauty of San Michele, donated an emerald to the church, the stone was inserted into the ring on the archangel’s hand, and now local residents and tourists gaze upward, hoping to catch a green reflection.
- San Michele in Foro
- Piazza San Michele in Foro
- 08.00–12.00, 15.00– 18.00
Casa di Puccini
Next to the Church of San Michele there is a m Puccini(Casa di Puccini), where the Italian composer was born in 1858.
Inside there is a museum dedicated to the life of the composer, documents, photographs and musical instruments are stored here.
- House of Puccini
- Corte San Lorenzo, 9
- summer Tue–Sun 10.00–18.00, winter Tue–Sun 10.00–13.00, 15.00–18.00
Torre della Ore
On the other side via Fillungo worth it Clock towerI(Torre della Ore, 50 m). The tower itself dates back to the 13th century, and the clock was made in 1754 in Geneva.
Guindji Tower
A little further is Guinigi Tower(Torre Guinigi, 1384), also known as the “Tower with a Garden,” which is considered one of the symbols of the city. Evergreen trees actually grow on its upper platform (41 m). Once upon a time, the tower itself and the palace to which it adjoins belonged to the Guinigi family, but are now owned by the municipality. At the end of the 1980s, this architectural monument was restored and opened to the public (230 steps lead to the observation deck).
- Guinigi Tower
- Via Sant'Andrea, 45
- daily March–Sept. 09.00–19.30, Oct. 10.00–18.00, Nov.–Feb. 10.00–16.30, 25 December closed
Romanesque Church of San Frediano
Romanesque church San Frediano(Chiesa di San Frediano, reconstruction XII century) - one of the most ancient temples in Lucca. The façade is decorated with a golden mosaic (Berlinghiero di Milanese, 13th century) depicting the ascension of Christ. In the interior, attention is drawn to the Romanesque font, the 16th-century organ and the altar, under which the relics of St. Fridian, bishop of Lucca (d. 588).
- Church of San Frediano
- Via degli Angeli, 19
Via Fillungo goes to piazza dell'Anfiteatro (Piazza del Anfiteatro). The Roman amphitheater is long gone - it was dismantled back in the Middle Ages, but the construction of the square exactly repeats the plan of the arena.
Palazzo Mansi
From the Church of San Frediano via San Giorgio (via San Giorgio) you can go to the intersection with via Galli Tassi(via Galli-Tassi), where it stands Palazzo Mansi (Palazzo Mansi, XVI century). Currently the building houses ( Pinacoteca Nazionale), where there are works by Tintoretto and Luca Giordano, in addition, you can see the rooms of the palazzo, where the furnishings of the 17th century have been preserved.
- Palazzo Mansi
- National Art Gallery
- Via Galli Tassi, 43
- daily 09.00–19.00, Sun, holidays. until 14.00,
- Jan 1, May 1 and Dec 25, closed Mon.
Lucca map:
Lucca is one of 4 Italian cities where the 16th century fortress wall has completely survived, and the only city where people have adapted it for life, turning it into a park. Stroll through the medieval streets of Lucca, climb the towers, sit in a cafe on the square, and feel the ancient spirit of the city.
Lucca Photo Leigh Trail
Lucca is a city of towers, luxurious palazzos and temples from the Trecento era, one of the most romantic corners of Tuscany. Behind the stone walls of its old center a leisurely patriarchal life flows.
5 things to do in Lucca
- Get to know Lucca by walking along the ancient fortress walls surrounding Old city, which today have turned into a park.
- Gain strength and patience to climb observation deck 44-meter Guinigi Tower. There, standing in the shade of the “oak grove,” enjoy the panorama of the city.
- Honor the memory of the great composer Giacomo Puccini, a native of Lucca, by standing near his monument. Enter the museum to see scores, letters, personal belongings and the famous piano of the musician at which Turandot was written.
- Drink coffee and watch passers-by while sitting in a cozy cafe on the square, built on the site of an ancient Roman amphitheater.
- Find out if the building of the Church of San Michele in Foro really looks like a ship. Admire and appreciate the beauty and originality of the openwork loggias.
When is the best time to go?
Lucca is located in the Tuscan Riviera, among wooded hills, at the foot of the Pisa Mountains and the Apuan Alps. The city stands near the Serchio River, surrounded by a swampy, wet valley. The climate in winter is moderately warm and humid: rains mainly occur in November. Summers are dry and hot, with minimal precipitation falling in July. Average annual temperature+14.4°C; in July-August the heat reaches +28–29°C; in January the thermometer drops to +2°C.
Spring (April - May) - best time to visit Lucca. The city is awakening, everything is blooming, the heat has not yet set in, prices for hotels and services have not yet risen.
Attractions
Botanical Garden
Fortress wall
Cathedral of St. Martin
Church of St. John and Reparata
Lily Theater
Church of St. Michael at the Forum
Puccini House Museum
Palazzo Mansi Museum
Guinigi Tower
Amphitheater Square
Basilica of St. Fridian
Fortress wall
The old center of Lucca is surrounded by a fortification wall (Mura di Lucca) about 4.5 km long with 11 bastions, 6 external and 3 internal gates. It was built for defense against external enemies and protection from the waters of Serchio, which were advancing on the city. In the 19th century, the wall was planted with plane trees. Today, when viewed from above, it looks like a green velvet necklace encircling the city. This is the main park of the city with bicycle paths and walking alleys. Restaurants are open in the former bastions, and there are street cafes at the top. Mura di Lucca often serves as the backdrop for concerts and street performances.
Amphitheater Square
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, photo r3dm@r
The ensemble of the Amphitheater Square (Piazza dell’Anfiteatro) was built on the site of a Roman amphitheater of the 2nd century. The oval space, which has retained the shape of the ancient gladiatorial arena, is surrounded by Renaissance buildings. There are 4 gates leading to the square.
Clock tower
Clock Tower (Torre delle ore), photo Graham Tiller
The main sign of Lucca is watchtowers and church campaniles: here and there they rise among the tiled roofs. In the 14th century there were 250 similar structures, only 130 have survived, many equipped with observation decks.
The highest is the 50-meter Clock Tower (Torre delle ore) (XIII century) with a belfry and a clock installed in 1754.
Guinigi Tower
Guinigi Tower (Torre Guinigi), photo Joe Lewit
A unique structure is the Roman-Gothic Tower of Guinigi (Torre Guinigi) (1384). Holm oak trees were planted on top of this 44-meter building in the 15th century. The trees are still growing.
Cathedral of St. Martin
Cathedral St. Martin (Cattedrale di San Martino) - temple in gothic style with a quadrangular bell tower, was founded in the 6th century; acquired its current appearance in the 11th century. Its façade, renovated in the 13th century, features amazing columns. Among them, no two are alike: each is decorated with unique carvings, reliefs, and inlays. Inside, paintings by Ghirlandaio and Tintoretto, Bartolomeo, Allori, sculptures by Giambologna and Civitali, and a marble tomb by Jacopo Quercia have been preserved.
Church of Saints John and Reparata
Church of Saints John and Reparata (Chiesa dei Santi Giovanni e Reparata), photo emzepe
In Piazza San Giovanni there is the Church of St. Reparata and next to it is the Baptistery of St. John. The temples were built at the end of the 12th century. on the site of a sanctuary from the ancient era (5th century). The complex of buildings of the Church of St. John and the Martyr Reparata (Chiesa dei Santi Giovanni e Reparata) combines features of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. Underneath it, archaeologists found the remains of ancient baths, an early Christian church and a crypt from the time of the Lombards.
Church of St. Michael in the Forum
Basilica of San Michele in Foro (Chiesa di San Michele in Foro), photo Gregory
The Church of San Michele in Foro (Chiesa di San Michele in Foro) is a temple in the Romano-Lombard style with 4 rows of openwork loggias. It was built in the 12th century on the site of an ancient forum, where in the 8th century. stood more old church. The building resembles a huge ship, on the rostrum of which rises a 4-meter figure of the Archangel Michael, framed by two angels.
Basilica of St. Fridian
Basilica of San Frediano, photo by Richard Barrett-Small
The Basilica of St. Frediano (Basilica di San Frediano) was founded in the 6th century and rebuilt in the 12th century in the Lombard style. There is a Byzantine mosaic above the portal. Inside is a Romanesque round marble font with elaborate bas-reliefs from the life of the prophet Moses. The relics of Saint Zita rest in San Fridiano.
Villa Torrigiani
Villa Torrigiani, photo Elena Battini
Villa Torrigiani is a striking example of secular baroque in Tuscany. Built in the 16th century for the Bonvisi family, reconstructed by order of the Marquis Nicolao Santini (ambassador of the Republic of Lucca at the court of Louis XIV) according to the model of the Versailles palaces.
Lily Theater
The Teatro del Giglio, founded in 1672, has undergone several renovations. The ruler of Tuscany, Marie-Louise Bourbon, named it after the flower of the emblem of the Bourbon dynasty. Today the theater hosts symphonic music concerts and dance programs; ballet, opera and drama performances.
National Museum of Villa Guinigi
The Villa Guinigi Museum (Museo nazionale di Villa Guinigi) on Via della Quarquonia contains architectural and sculptural exhibits, fossil finds, and paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries.
Museum in Mansi Palace
Palazzo Mansi Museum (Museo di Palazzo Mansi), photo sailko
The Palazzo Mansi Museum is a National Museum and Pinacoteca. The Renaissance Mansi Palace has preserved the original furnishings of the 16th–18th centuries. Antique fabrics, tapestries, weaving tools are exhibited here; The National Pinacoteca was opened with a collection of paintings by Leopold II, Duke of Tuscany. The collection includes works by Tintoretto, Titian, and Veronese.
Puccini House Museum
Monument to Giacomo Puccini next to the house where the musician was born (Casa Natale di Giacomo Puccini), photo by vincenzo baldassarre
The house-museum of Giacomo Puccini (Puccini Museum) is located at Corte San Lorenzo 9. The composer was born here on December 22, 1858, and spent his childhood and youth. In the museum you will see Puccini’s personal belongings, originals of his letters and scores, and the piano at which the opera “Turandot” was written.
Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden (Orto botanico comunale di Lucca), photo fabcom
The Botanical Garden (Orto botanico comunale di Lucca) was founded by decree of Marie Louise, Duchess of Lucca in 1820. About 200 species of plants are planted on 2 hectares; there is a pond where the mystical “Murabilya” shows take place in the fall.
History paragraph
City view, photo Marian Bulacu
The city was founded by the Etruscans in 218 BC. e. After 40 years, the Romans occupied the settlement, completely destroying it and rebuilding it. The empire fell under the onslaught of the Goths, then the Lombards and Franks came. After the fall of the Carolingians, Lucca became the capital of the Tuscan March. From 1378 until the arrival of Napoleon it was independent republic. After the expulsion of the Bonapartes, Lucca belonged to the Duchy of Tuscany, then to the Kingdom of Sardinia. Since 1861 it has become part of a united Italy.
On July 11–12, the city honors its heavenly patron saint, St. Paulinus. The Palio di San Paolino festival opens with a solemn procession with banners. The most striking event is the crossbowmen's tournament.
In July, Lucca hosts the rock music festival Lucca Summer Festival. He passes under open air on Place Napoleon.
In August – the international Festival Puccini.
September 13–14 is the main religious holiday – the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Residents come to venerate the relic - the Holy Face, the crucifix, which is kept in the Cathedral. Believers from all city parishes take part in the candlelight procession.
Every year at the turn of October - November, Lucca hosts International festival comics (Lucca Comics and Games). Since 1993, he has also covered the topic of computer games and simulations. Over the course of 4 days, the festival brings together leading masters of the genre and many tourists.
Cuisine and restaurants
Local cuisine is simple and tasty. Among the soups, Garmucha spring soup with peas, onions, asparagus, artichokes, green beans in beef broth with pieces of meat and brisket is popular. Try Matuffi, a cornmeal porridge with mushrooms and Parmesan or meat sauce. Traditional main courses: Rovellina - beef, cut into thin slices, fried and stewed in a sauce of tomatoes, capers and herbs; pork with chestnut flour polenta; rabbit in a sauce of tomatoes, red peppers, olives, onions and garlic, herbs; fried baby goat with artichokes; trout from the Serchio River on a spit; dried cod (baccalà), fried with chickpeas; vegetable casseroles using cauliflower, green beans, spinach, artichokes and beets.
For those with a sweet tooth, try buccellato - a sweet pie with raisins and anise; necci – pancakes made from chestnut flour filled with ricotta; castagnaccio – pie made from chestnut flour with pine nuts and raisins.
Among the wines, try white and red Montecarlo DOC and Colline Lucchesi DOC, as well as the herbal liqueur Biadina, which is produced only in Lucca.
Traditional Tuscan cuisine can be enjoyed at Trattoria da Leo (Via Tegrimi 1). The best place to have a snack is at Forno A Vapore Amedeo Giusti (Via Santa Lucia 18/20). The Locanda Eremo del Gusto restaurant (Via Gelli 35/37 - Petrognano - Capannori) is known for its magnificent views of the city. Caffè di Simo (Via Fillungo, 58) serves the best breakfast (cappuccino + cornetto for €3-4) in an Art Nouveau interior. The Buca di Sant'Antonio restaurant (Via Cervia, 3) offers gourmet cuisine. For dinner, head to the Vineria I Santi restaurant at Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, 17, or to Vecchia Trattoria Buralli at Piazza Sant’Agostino, 10.
Shopping
On the main shopping street of Lucca, photo mikewinburn
Every third weekend of the month, antique markets open in many of the city's squares and are considered the best in Italy.
Via Fillungo is the main market Street Lucca with Max Mara, Armani, Missoni boutiques, simple shops and souvenir shops.
The Enoteca Vanni store (Piazza del Salvatore 7) offers a wide selection of Italian wines, which you can taste before purchasing.
Not far from the city is natural Park Migliarino (Parco naturale di Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli). On its territory there are different ecosystems - from wetlands to sand dunes. Its central part is occupied by a protected area with an area of 5,000 hectares - San Rossore. Rare birds and ungulates live there. The park complex includes the picturesque Lake Massaciuccoli - an equipped recreation area where you can relax and go boating.
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