Lucca is a city in Tuscany, central Italy situated
on the river of Serchio in a fertile plain near
the Tyrrhenian sea. It’s 20 km far from Pisa
and 76 km far from Firenze. It’s the capital
city of the province of Lucca. Lucca was
founded by the Etruscans and became
a Roman colony in 180 BC. The rectangular
grid of its historical centre preserves the
Roman street plan, and the Piazza San Michele
occupies the site of the ancient forum.
The walls
Botanical garden
Amphitheater square
The botanical garden of Lucca is a scientific
institution founded in 1820 from Maria Luisa of
Bourbon. It extends for about two hectares and
is home of hundreds of plant species.
Ticket: from 15 to 65 years old 4.00 eur
The amphitheatre, built as the centre of
entertainment outside the Roman town, is
today the centre of town life and the very
symbol of Lucca. When it was created, for
spectacles and gladiator games, the
amphitheatre of Lucca was an imposing
structure, with fifty-four arches and a cavea
able to hold as many as ten thousand
spectators. To date, the plan of the square is
raised by about 3 meters compared to the
Roman arena. The access to the square is
possible through 4 doors, but only one of these,
the lowest, exactly traces one of the original
entrances.
Guinigi tower
The broad, high walls, which characterize the
city, are a feature of its past, and a pleasant
element of its present. Completely surrounding
the ancient city, the walls we see today date
back to the 17th century. Now, no longer used
for defense, they are crowned by 4 km of green
parkland, and are a lovely place to walk, cycle
or stop for a picnic. There are 6 gates that allow
access within the city and 11 bulwarks. From
the walls you have a wonderful view of the
whole city and of the gardens that surrounding
it externally.
Puccini’s house
Guinigi tower, built of stone and brick, is the
most important and famous monuments of
Lucca; its main feature is the presence of some
oaks on its top. It’s high 44.25m; to get on the
top you have to climb 230 steps.
Do not lean too far!
Ticket: 4.00 eur
Puccini (1858-1924) was a famous composer;
he was born in this house where he spent early
youth until the age of 22 when moved to Milan.
Palazzo Pfanner
Pietrasanta
The residence of Palazzo Pfanner, only part of
the building is currently open, encloses a large
central hall from which they depart side rooms
enriched by antique furniture. With its grassy
lawns, ornamental blossoms, tall shrubs and
lemon-trees in large earthenware pots, the
garden of Palazzo Pfanner represents a
valuable example of a baroque garden set in
the heart of the mediaeval town of Lucca.
Ticket: 4.50 eur
Pietrasanta is a beautiful city inside of Versilia;
the city has a lovely old town, with numerous
galleries and exhibits great seasonal. It’s also
called: “the small Athens”. It’s 38km far from
Lucca. In the centre of the city there are a lot
of monuments and a lot of churches. One of
the most important churches is the Cathedral
of S. Martino. Finally an other beautiful place is
Rocca di Sala.
Devil’s Bridge
Some events of Lucca
-Summer festival in July
-Murabilia in September
-September lucchese: procession of S. Croce on
13, fair on 14-21-29
The Devil's Bridge crosses the river Serchio near
Borgo a Mozzano. It’s long 95m and the
maximum height is 38m. Borgo a Mozzano is
40km far from Lucca.
-Comics in October-November