Why Lucca
Lucca: the city of 100 churches
Lucca is a city and comune in Tuscany, Central Italy, on the Serchio River, in a fertile plain near the Ligurian Sea. The city has a population of about 89,000, while its province has a population of 383,957. Lucca is known as an Italian "Città d'arte" (City of Art) from its intact Renaissance-era city walls and its very well preserved historic center, where, among other buildings and monuments, are located the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, which has its origins in the second half of the 1st century A.D. and the Guinigi Tower, a 45-metre-tall (150 ft) tower that dates from the 1300s. The city is also the birthplace of numerous world-class composers, including Giacomo Puccini, Alfredo Catalani, and Luigi Boccherini.
FAMOUS SITES
Favorite spots in Lucca
Torre Guinigi
The Torre Guinigi was built during the second half of the fourteenth century. At one point Lucca had over 200 defensive towers, there are now 9 that remain. It is recognizable by the trees that were planted by the Guinigi family in the garden in the top. The tower is 45 meters high with 233 steps to reach the top. The views from the tower roof are one of the most stunning sites you will ever set eyes on.
Address:
Via Sant'Andrea
What I like about it
My last night in Italy, I climbed this tower. It was a beautiful, summer night and I still remember how peaceful it was up there overlooking the city.
Chiesa di San Michele
This Roman Catholic basilica in Lucca is one of the most beautiful and enchanting historical structures in the city. It was the seat of the Major Council until 1370 and dedicated to Archangel Michael. The summit of the church are flanked by the statues of two angels, while a 4 meter tall statue of the St. Michael the Archangel, and is positioned in the center of the church structure.
Address:
Piazza San Michele
What I like about it
The interior of this church is amazing in both design and artwork. The belltower adds to it beauty and was wonderful to hear when walking around the city.
Piazza Napoleone
Known to the people of Lucca as Piazza Grande, it was dedicated to Napoleon by his sister Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, who led the Principality of Lucca from 1805 to 1815 and had the entire layout of the square transformed. The project of the two architects chosen for the task decided to give greater importance and prestige to the Ducal Palace.
Address:
Piazza Napoleone
What I like about it
This beautiful piazza is flanked by many trees, large old villas, cafes and shops. It is the home of the Summer Concert festival where I was able to see Crosby, Stills and Nash as well as Van Morrison during my time in Lucca.
Gallery
My photos from Lucca
