The city of Lucca was originally inhabited by the Ligurians, followed by the Etruscans. In 180 B.C. it became a Roman colony. This was a period of splendour for the town because of its strategic position: the most important roads of the Roman Empire such as the Cassia, the Aurelia and the Clodia, intersected just outside Lucca.
In the first half of the XV century Lucca was ruled by Paolo Guinigi who improved the city’s art and architecture. Many important buildings made such as Palazzo Guinigi were commissioned by him, as is the wonderful sarcophagus of his wife, Ilaria del Carretto, which was made by Jacopo della Quercia and is displayed in the Church of San Frediano in the city centre.
In the XV and XVI centuries the town struggled to maintain its independence from the nearby powerful Florence, as a result, newer and stronger town walls were erected. The urban shape of the city was altered and expanded completely, as some old buildings and towers were replaced by new stately mansions with towers along the most important streets of the town.
In 1799 Lucca underwent Napoleonic rule, which lasted 12 years. The town enjoyed an important role in the Napoleonic Empire as it was ruled by Napoleon’s sister Elisa, wife of Felice Baciocchi. They lived in the Palazzo Pubblico in the city centre, which today boasts the city’s largest public square, the Piazza Napoleone. After the Congress of Vienna in 1814, Lucca was ruled by Parma.It was during this period that the architect Lorenzo Nottolini planned the public squares and the quarters of the town, and created the promenade along the city walls.
In 1847 Lucca became part of the Grand Duchy of Toscana, and in 1861 became part of the Reign of Italy.
Within the city walls the gems of Lucca can be found by strolling through the twisting streets and myriad piazzas. There are 99 churches within the walls of Lucca, many of them dating from the 1100’s. Masterpieces by artists such as Tintoretto, Ghirlandaio, Pisano, Citivali and Botolomeo can be seen in the and the museums of the city The Duomo San Martino also houses the Holy relic Volto Santo – a carved effigy of Christ’s crucifixion allegedly made by Nicodemus, an eyewitness to the event.
There is much to do and discover in Lucca, most notably in Piazza Anfiteatro, the oval piazza in the heart of the ancient city walls built on the foundations of the original Roman amphitheatre, now lined with cafes and boutiques.
The Guinigi Tower is one of the few towers remaining of the 250 that originally graced the city centre, built as status symbols by noble families. The Guinigi Tower is immediately recognisable by the seven trees planted on it, and the steep climb up to the top allows for a stunning view of the city of Lucca and its surrounding countryside.
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There is always something to do in the Lucca area. Not only is Lucca noted for its shopping and restaurants, but it is also a international city resplendent in cultural activities and recreational pursuits. As the birthplace of the famous composer Giacomo Puccini, Lucca enjoys more than her fair share of music festivals and concerts.
For more about Lucca, visit:
www.luccaterre.it
goeurope.about.com
www.travelplan.it
Just minutes west of Lucca are all the marvels of the Versilian coast. Viareggio with its Carnevale festival in Feburary; Pietrasanta with its wealth of art galleries and renowned sculptor’s studios; and Forti di Marmi – long known as the playground of the international jet-set. Just a bit further along the coast one also finds the long revered areas of the Cinque Terre and Portofino.
For more about the Versilian coast, visit:
www.versilia.org
www.welcometuscany.it
www.tuscany-charming.it
Lucca is nestled up against the foothills of the Apuane Alps and the Apennine Mountains, two mountain ranges that divide Northern Tuscany from both the regions of Liguria and Emilia-Romagna. Immediately north of Lucca, between the two mountain ranges is the Garfagnana valley. Lucca is the gateway to this splendid and wildly lush mountain valley, full of small hilltop villages, natural springs and deep caves. The Garfagnana and her two mountain ranges are a favourite playground for cyclists, hikers, spelunkers, campers, birdwatchers, rock-climbers, fishers, hunters and nature lovers in general.
For more about the mountains and the Garfagnana valley, visit:
www.welcometuscany.it
www.parks.it
www.emmeti.it
To the south of Lucca one finds not only Pisa with its famous Leaning Tower but also the beautiful coastal region of the Maremma, famous for its rolling hills and Etruscan ruins (Not to mention wine!). The island of Elba is just off the coast, and offers excellent diving and sailing.
For more about Pisa, the island of Elba and the Maremma, visit:
www.parco-maremma.it
www.autoeurope.com
www.arcipelago.turismo.toscana.it
Immediately to the east, between Lucca and Florence is a series of small cities, each boasting its own unique character. Montecarlo is situated on a hill that enjoys a 360 degree view of the Lucca plain and the Lucchesia (the foothills of the mountains surrounding Lucca, filled with olive groves, villas and vineyards). Pescia is a small city known for its flower market, and Montecatini is an internationally regarded thermal spa town, filled to the brink year round with people “taking the waters” in one of the city’s many spa resorts.
For more about Montecarlo, Pescia and Montecatini Terme and other spas, visit:
www.montecatini.it
www.slowtrav.com/italy
www.justtuscany.com
What can we say about Florence, Siena, Chianti and San Gimignano? There is a wealth of information on the internet about these cities, their food, wine, culture, art….
For more about Florence, Siena, Chianti and San Gimignano, visit:
www.firenzeturismo.it
www.terresiena.it
www.tuscantreasures.net
The geometrical layout of the town and the Roman Forum can be dated back to this period. 