Lucca (Tuscany): 19 m. above sea level. - 85,000 pop. [ MAP ] 

Ancient town of Tuscany because of its intact medieval urban layout. The Town features tower-houses and winding lanes, as well as unexpected open spaces with grand Romanesque buildings. Lucca is another city where time seems to have stood still. Take a walk along the 4 km of 16th century ramparts that still surround the old quarter, and take in glorious panoramas of Lucca's famous towered houses, quaint alleyways and ancient churches.

• The walls : The Town of Lucca is   characterized by the large fortified walls transformed to a shaded walkway. The walls were turned into a public garden. The beauty of the trees on the ramparts, the striking view of the city, the surrounding countryside, and the architectural structure all contribute to make the park a unique work. The entire walk all around the 4km ramparts takes roughly two hours.
   

•  Piazza Napoleone, is dominated by the imposing Palazzo Ducale.
  Shady place by tall plane-trees, it hosts a neo-classic memorial to Maria Luigi di Borbone, by L. Bartolini.
  

• SS. Giovanni e Reparata: Built in the 12th century this church preserves the original relief portal. It has has a nave and two aisles on ancient columns by Romanesque capitals, with transept and great abside.
  

• The Cathedral : is the most important building of Lucca with its Romanesque marmoreous façade and beautiful portico and by the 13th century bell tower embellished with merlons. Many works of art by the sculptor Nicola Pisano, Tintoretto and Giambologna. On the altar "Madonna with saints" by Domenico Ghirlandaio. The sacristy preserves the famous masterpiece "Monumento funebre di Ilaria del Carretto", (1408) by Jacopo della Quercia.
  

• Museum of the Cathedral : It preserves church ornaments, works of art, many paintings, sculptures and some illuminated manuscripts. Of note are "Apostolo" by the sculptor Jacopo della Quercia and "San Giovanni decollato" by Matteo Cividali, belonging to the romanesque Cathedral.
  

• Palazzo Mansi : Seat of National Art gallery, it exhibits beautiful interiors with frescoes. Of note is the "Salone della Musica" ( Hall of Music ). The art gallery hosts many paintings of famous Italian and foreign painters. Works by Beccafumi, Bronzino, Salimbeni, Andrea del Sarto, Veronese, Tintoretto, Salvator Rosa, Domenichino, Guido Reni etc. On the second floor is a collection of textile materials dating back to the end of the 18th century.
  

• Villa Guinigi National Museum : It is hosted in a 15th century villa and exclusively preserves  works produced for the town of Lucca and its territory by local or foreign artists. The collection offers the chance to go over the artistic history of Lucca throughout the centuries. In its interiors  many archeological finds are on display dating back from prehistory to the Roman age: writings, mosaics, ceramics and lots more.
  

• Via Guinigi: is one of the most typical and suggestive streets of Lucca, is a fabulous shopping street, with several jewelry stores, boutiques and other nice shops. On the two sides are the fourteenth century brick towers and palazzos. Of note is the big building on the Sant' Andrea street corner with its high tower characterized by holm-oaks on the roof top.
  

• Piazza San Michele: It is right in the town center, offering a great panorama of medieval homes.
  

• San Michele in Foro: The church has high façade richly decorated. Many works of art. Of note in the right nave the glazed 15th century terracotta sculpture, " Madonna and child",  by Andrea della Robbia.
  

• Piazza Anfiteatro or Piazza del Mercato,  is characterized by its round shape and surrounded by medieval brick buildings, creating a setting full of history. Many spectacles, shows and concerts take place in the squar ein summer.
  

• Casa natale di Giacomo Puccini: The birthplace of the famous composer of "La  Boheme" and "Turandot". Very interesting collection of old letters and manuscripts. It houses also the well conserved piano of the composer.
  

• Lucca's Antique Market
  Near Cathedral San Martino (Duomo)
  It is full of beautiful antique furniture and other great old and rare items,  jewelry,  works of marble, collectings. This outdoor market takes place on the 3rd weekend of every month, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am - 7:00pm. - Participate  about 200 exhibitors.
  

• Arti e Mestieri (Arts and Crafts)
  Near Cathedral San Martino (Duomo)
  Outdoor monthly market (last Sunday) of arts and crafts by local crafts people.
  Typical products;

• Olive-growing has characterized, since ancient times, the province of Luca:
  around the mid-15th century olive oil was defined as “necessary in un for man’s well-being” and a 19th century treatise about oil production considers that the most famous oils for their finesse are those of Luca which are very well-known abroad. Alongside these almost all the oils found in the region of Tuscany”. This dep-roted tradition shows how valuable and typical olive-growing is, now more than ever, in the continuing quest top reserve an irreplaceable heritage. The outstanding characteristics of Luca’s olive
  oil have raised it to the level of a top food element, not only for its
  non organoleptic qualities but also for the nutritional properties which
  die-contribute to a complete and healthy diet.

By Train : The closest railway stations are Empoli, Pisa and Florence: Train schedules

By air  : International flights to Pisa and Florence or Milan and Rome