One of the oldest and most magnificent regions of Tuscany is Lucca. People often leave reviews about this town. After all, every person who gets here is satisfied. Holidays in the city are great.
Description
Lucca, which we will consider in the article, is located near the Serchio River.
Its history is rich in various events. Founded before our era, the city of Lucca in the period of early feudalism occupied a very advantageous position. It was located at the crossroads that led to Rome, Parma, Florence, Pisa and Luni. In addition, the city was on the path of pilgrims who went from northern Europe to Rome. From century to century, the rulers of the city changed. By the end of the eighth century, the city was the residence of the Lombard dukes, then came under the patronage of the Frankish count. It was the capital of the Margraves of Tuscany.
In the Middle Ages it was a rich city. Mainly due to the development of banking and the sale of silk. The city reached its special power in the fourteenth century, under the rule of Castruccio Castrani. From the seventeenth century until the end of the eighteenth, Lucca was the second largest with a republican form of government. During the time of Napoleon Bonaparte, this city was turned into a principality and transferred under the patronage of the sister of the Emperor of the French - Elisa Bacciocchi. And in the middle of the nineteenth century, the city became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. And it's far from full list all the political upheavals that befell Lucca.
The city impresses all tourists with the abundance of its attractions. This is the oldest fortress and the most magnificent temples, incredible natural beauty and chic restaurants.
Fortress of Lucca
What is Italy proud of, Lucca? The sights of this place are really interesting. The city is famous for its fortress. Particularly well preserved are two of the four gates of the once mighty fortress. Built at the end of the twelfth - beginning of the thirteenth century, the gates of Borghi, as well as the gates of San Gervasio erected in the first quarter of the twelfth century, are of great architectural and historical value. The Romanesque gate, flanked by two beautiful and mighty towers, skillfully finished with limestone. Rare frescoes have been preserved in the inner part of the hemisphere. With the image of the Virgin and several saints. Tourists can admire the San Donato Gate, built in 1590. Their outer facade is decorated with sculptures of two lions made of marble.
The fortress walls of the city are the oldest in Europe. Their length is more than four kilometers. Here, however, in very small quantities, even the walls built during the Roman Empire have been preserved. This wall served as protection for the city until the beginning of the eleventh century, until it was destroyed by the Marquis Bonifaciodi of Tuscany for the rebelliousness of the townspeople. A fragment of the ancient Roman wall is part of the wall of the Church of Our Lady of the Rose. The inhabitants of the city took the reconstruction of their defensive walls especially seriously in the sixteenth century, rebuilding them using the best trends in the construction of defensive structures of that time. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, by order of Marie Louise of Bourbon, part of the wall was landscaped and turned into a luxurious park. Where in modern times there is not only great places for walks, but also cozy cafes.
Cathedral of Saint Martin
About such locality like Lucca is often said to be a city of hundreds of temples. The Cathedral of Saint Martin was built in the eleventh century, and then completed and reconstructed several times.
With a marble façade, columns and portals adorned with sculptures, this magnificent cathedral has priceless relics inside the building. For example, the work of Tintoretto "The Last Supper", "Madonna with Saints" by Ghirlandaio.
And the sacristy and the altar part of the temple have the status of a museum. The cathedral houses the most famous relic of the city - the Holy Face.
Church of the Archangel Michael
What else is interesting about Lucca (Italy)? Reviews of tourists about this city are usually positive. People write that they liked the local shrines. For example, in the historical part of the city, on the square of San Michele in Foro, there is the church of St. Michael the Archangel. Four tiers of arcades rise above the main façade. At the very top is a statue of the Archangel Michael slaying a dragon. And they stand on the sides. According to legend, an emerald is hidden in the statue of St. Michael. At certain times of the day and under certain lighting, you can see its green reflection. And in the left corner of the facade is a statue of the Virgin. According to legend, it was installed by residents in 1480 in gratitude for the miraculous deliverance of the city from the plague.
Basilica of Saint Fredian
What should you definitely see for those who are interested in a country like Italy? Lucca, whose sights are simply amazing, should certainly be on the list of cities to visit for every tourist.
After all, there really is something to see. For example, in the northern part of the historical center of the city is the Basilica of St. Fredian. In the sixth century there was a church of Saints Vincent, Stephen and Lawrence. At the end of the eighth century, the relics of St. Fredian were transferred here. And in the twelfth century the basilica was thoroughly rebuilt. In the thirteenth century, the church was built on three meters, and the facade is richly decorated with mosaics. After a couple of centuries, side chapels were added to it.
The interior murals of the temple amaze with their splendor and have great not only historical, but also artistic value. The relics of St. Zita, highly revered by the townspeople, are also kept here.
Lucca (Italy): attractions
The Ducal Palace is located on Napoleon Square. It is also called the Palace of the Signoria. Until the fourteenth century, this place was the fortress of Augustus, which was destroyed during the revolt of the townspeople. Then a palace was built, which was occupied by many rulers, including Napoleon's sister Eliza Bonaparte, who was the local ruler in the early nineteenth century. The courtyard is surrounded by galleries. Through a wide staircase you can go to the palace itself, which now houses various government services. In the Hall of the main council of the republic is unique picture Flemish painter, as well as a fresco by Pietro Testa "Freedom of Lucca", dating from the seventeenth century.
What else is worth seeing for those who come to such a wonderful city as Lucca (Italy)? Attractions, reviews of tourists about which are most common. Thus, travelers note that Lucca is the birthplace of the outstanding opera composer of the mid-nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Giacomo Puccini. Therefore, having arrived in this city, you should definitely visit the house-museum of a famous citizen.
Art lovers will be pleasantly surprised by the Pinacoteca Palazzo Mansi, where the unsurpassed masterpieces of Tintoretto, Titian, Ghirlandaio, Domenichino are located. The grandiose canvases of outstanding masters will bring real pleasure to art lovers.
What else is worth seeing for those who visited such notable city like Lucca? Reviews of tourists confirm the fact that the most interesting building in terms of architecture and interior decoration is one of the oldest Dominican monastery in the world, dedicated to St. Roman. The church was consecrated at the end of the thirteenth century, but from century to century, some additions were made to it. Luxurious interior decoration is made in the Baroque style. For centuries, the monastery played an important role in the life of the city, until it was abolished during the time of Napoleon. On the left side of the church are the funeral arches of members of the city's most distinguished families.
As you can see, all the interesting and beautiful sights that are located in a city like Lucca (Italy).
What should a visitor of the country see? Other beautiful temples. These include:
- church ;
- church ;
- monastic complex of St. Francis;
- Church of the Holy Savior;
- the monastery-sanctuary of St. Gemma Galyani;
- Church of St. Peter Somaldi;
- and others.
towers
The visiting card of the city can be called the Guinigi tower, built in the Romanesque-Gothic style. It was built by members of the noble and influential Guinigi family during the signoria.
What other interesting places does the city of Lucca hide in itself? Attractions are very diverse. For example, there is a unique miracle of architecture here, which is called a tower with a garden. It is unusual in that trees grow on it. So when tourists climb observation deck, equipped at its very top, they can contemplate the wonderful panorama of the city from a height of forty meters, while being in the shade of magnificent trees.
Clock tower
What else should be seen by those who come to a city like Lucca (Italy), reviews of which are always positive?
Another marvel of architecture is the Clock Tower. Besides what it is ancient building thirteenth century, it has a magnificent clock. They were made in Geneva in 1754.
Theaters and villas
There are old theaters in the city. What should be seen? The Giglio Theatre, which in the nineteenth century successfully competed with the San Carlo Theater in Naples and the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. It was built on the site of the abolished Jesuit monastery. Interior decoration was carried out by outstanding masters of that time. For centuries, operas by the most famous composers have been staged here, and the best singers have performed on stage.
In addition, Lucca is a city with many magnificent, luxurious villas and palaces.
Not only old buildings, divine beautiful nature, museums that contain the greatest works of the most famous artists of the world, Lucca (Italy) is famous for, reviews of which tourists leave only positive. It is a city of various festivals. In July there is a musical. In the autumn - the festival of comics.
Conclusion
Now you know why Lucca, Italy is interesting. The sights, photos of which are presented in the article, are worth seeing for every tourist. They are very beautiful.
Lucca - beautiful old City in Tuscany, one of the most interesting cities in Italy. Literally everyone who had a chance to visit Lucca told me about Lucca.
Lucca is the only city in Italy completely surrounded by a massive fortified wall that protected the city from floods. The walls have been rebuilt many times. The current length of the walls of Lucca is 4 kilometers 450 meters. Several gates have been preserved, which were closed when there was a threat of flooding. Through one of these gates we entered the city.
Eliza Bonaparte was once lifted here and carried to the city with the help of a special mechanism so as not to open the gates during the next flood.
At the beginning of the 19th century, by decree of this same Elisa, plane trees were planted on the walls of Lucca, forming wide boulevards around the city.
It turns out that I entered Lucca, violating the Medieval law, in the 16th century foreigners were allowed to enter the city only through the Porta san Pietro gate, where the customs was located.
The streets of Lucca are in most cases quite spacious and crowded.
It is not often possible to be alone with the Middle Ages in Lucca.
Some very lively, positive city, causes a comfortable feeling.
Palazzo Pretorio is located on the main square of San Michele, today the building houses the local municipality. On the same square -.
There were a lot of "falling" buildings in Lucca.
These buildings are residential, but…
Lucca has 130 towers, more than any other city in Italy. - the highest tower of the city, and the most famous - with oaks on top.
Towers are found literally at every turn.
The 12th century Church of San Salvatore is located in the square of the same name.
This square is also called Mercy Square.
There are several museums popular with tourists in Lucca. We came across a museum of torture, at the entrance to which a real guillotine is on display.
The Ducal Palace is located in the very center of the city, on Napoleon Square. The already mentioned Eliza Bonaparte lived in this palace.
Now the Ducal Palace in Lucca houses the offices of various cultural organizations, including the UNESCO Forum.
On an April day, there were a lot of flowers on the streets, not to mention the fact that the famous one simply turned into a flower market.
You can walk endlessly along the streets of Lucca, each time wandering into some new corners.
The city is big enough. And there are many tourists. Here, perhaps, this is the only thing that I did not like in Lucca ...
Many move around the city on bicycles.
You can rent a bike, we met several rental points. It is worth, however, pleasure is not cheap.
Next time we will try to ride iron horses around Lucca, although in some places cycling along the ancient pavement is probably not the greatest pleasure.
Behind these ancient doors hides the ordinary daily life of the inhabitants of Lucca, of which there are about 80,000.
Polls show that many dream of moving to metropolitan areas.
For half a day in Lucca, of course, we saw far from everything. I managed to look for a minute into a very beautiful cathedral.
We did not even reach the Duomo, having seen it only from the clock tower. We will definitely visit next time. Lucca has many museums. And in this city there is the smallest (70 sq.m) historical theater in the world - Teatrino di Vetriano. And there is a lot of everything that I would like to see ...
Lucca is one of the oldest and most interesting cities in the Italian region of Tuscany, the only one in Italy, surrounded by massive fortress walls of the 16th century along the entire perimeter. It is located on the banks of the Serchio River and has retained its ancient Roman layout and unique historical flavor to this day.
What to see in Lucca on your own?
Beautiful places and main attractions: photos with descriptions in Russian.
Torre Guinigi Tower
This unusual medieval tower was built of brick and stone by the Guinigi family. Its distinguishing feature is a few green oaks that grow right on the roof. According to the idea of its creators, the tower symbolizes rebirth. Today, tourists can not only admire the appearance of the tower, but also enjoy the beautiful cityscape right from its roof. The ascent to the roof consists of 225 steps. Inside, the walls of the tower are decorated with paintings telling about medieval life cities.
San Michele in Foro
The Church of San Michele in Foro is the most beautiful and ancient landmark of Lucca. Before its construction, the ancient forum was located here. Today, the whitewashed temple of San Michele in Foro attracts tourists from all over the world with its graceful architecture, statues and inlays. The roof of the church is crowned with a sculpture of the Archangel Michael with two angels. It symbolizes this church. An ancient legend says that an angel wore a ring with a large shining diamond on his hand.
Cathedral of San Martino
The Cathedral of San Martino is the main cathedral of Lucca. The beginning of its construction dates back to 1063. The facade of San Martino is decorated with columns made in different styles. This feature is explained by the legend. It tells about a competition for the most beautiful column to decorate the cathedral. The most skilled craftsmen took part in the competition, creating masterpieces. Therefore, it was decided to take all the columns. Another interesting attraction of the church is the image of the labyrinth. According to legend, this labyrinth was the prototype of the labyrinth of Chartres, the ancestor of all labyrinths.
National Museum of Villa Guinigi
The National Museum of Villa Guinigi is the repository of a huge number of works of art by great artists. Previously, this building was the palace of the ruler of Lucca, Paolo Guinigi. The beginning of the construction of the palace dates back to 1413. Today, the museum invites tourists to visit unique and interesting exhibitions that will acquaint them with the history of Lucca, Christian art, as well as the art of the Renaissance.
Basilica of Saint Fridian
This temple is one of the oldest sights of Lucca; it has been decorating the city since the 6th century. The initiator of the construction of this Catholic church was the Bishop of Lucca, Saint Fridian. Currently, his relics rest in the heart of the temple. The building is made in the Romanesque style, and welcomes visitors with an elegant facade decorated with mosaics. Inside, the marble walls of the temple are decorated with carvings. Here, tourists can feel the spirit of the times by studying stories from the Bible, captured on an old 12th-century font.
Piazza Anfiteatro
Piazza Anfiteatro is the perfect place for tourist holiday. In ancient times, there was a Roman amphitheater here. This cozy sunny square is surrounded by old houses of different heights. According to local residents, such an uneven line of roofs resembles a stave of one of the musical creations of Giacomo Puccini. On the lower floors of the buildings there are cafes and small shops. Here tourists can relax, try delicious pizza and buy souvenirs.
Church of San Pietro Somaldi
The unique temple of the VIII century, built in the classical Romanesque style. It is located on the square of St. Peter Somaldi. A feature of the structure of the church is a luxurious gray sandstone facade with double arches. Above the main entrance to the building is a carved bas-relief depicting the handing over of the keys to St. Peter. Two lions dutifully guard the entrance to the temple, where a collection of beautiful paintings of the 15th-19th centuries is kept. Of particular interest is the preserved fresco of the 13th century with the face of the Virgin.
Palazzo Mansi
This palace-museum of the 16th century has a unique historical value. Its walls are literally saturated with history. Several generations of the noble merchant family Mansi lived here. From the outside, the style of the building is quite restrained and concise. The interior layout of the house has undergone several restorations over the centuries. Today, tourists are waiting an amusing trip to the world of the past. Attention is presented to luxurious residential interiors, apartments, paintings, frescoes, tapestries, and much more.
Palazzo Pretorio
Palazzo Pretorio, or Praetor's Palace, is located on central square Lucca San Michele. It was built according to the project of the architect Matteo Civitali, whose monument now adorns the loggia of the building. Above the slender columns of the central entrance, there is a beautiful antique clock with a carved frame. For several centuries, the palace served as the city hall. From the middle of the 15th century, servants of the local administration, as well as representatives of the judiciary, worked here.
Church of St. John and Great Martyr Reparata
Many centuries ago, the church served as the residence of the bishops of Lucca. Today, this Christian temple is not only a unique monument of spiritual history, it also arouses great interest of archaeologists. Excavations are still ongoing in its vicinity. Here, in the process of research, archaeologists managed to find various historical artifacts that tell about the life and customs of ancient Rome, many of which date back to the 1st century BC.
Apuan Alps National Park
The Apuan Alps are the most picturesque attraction of Lucca. The park is located just a few kilometers from the recreation area of Versilia. The most high mountain in the park - Monte Pisanino, the distance from the ground to its top is 1947 meters! The park attracts admiring glances of tourists with its gorgeous panoramic views, river valleys with green slopes, shady gorges, and lush meadows. It is here that the mysterious labyrinth underground Antro del Corchia is located, the length of which is 70 kilometers.
Botanical Garden of Lucca
Urban Botanical Garden- one of the most beautiful places cities. You can find it on Via Giardino Botanico. 1820 is the date of creation of this wonderful place. 23 years after the founding, the first photograph of the garden was taken, which has survived to this day. Here is the richest collection of various representatives of the flora: rare beautiful flowers, mighty trees, as well as medicinal plants. The oldest inhabitant of the garden is the Lebanese cedar, which was planted in 1822.
Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli Park
This natural attraction is a natural park. The park is relatively young, the year of its foundation is 1979. Passing through the fabulous carved gates, visitors enter wonderful world flora and fauna. Here you can meet birds of various species, fallow deer, wild boars. The heart of the park is a place called San Rossore, famous for its breathtaking views. Still, here you can stroll along the shores of Lake Massaciuccoli, in the vicinity of which the villa of the composer Giacomo Puccini is located, as well as preserved fragments of an ancient Roman villa.
Palazzo Pfanner
Palazzo Pfanner is a palace with a very interesting history which continues today. Members of the Pfanner family have been its owners since 1860. An interesting fact is that the Austrian Felix Pfanner originally bought this house to house a brewery. Appearance The palace is made in the best traditions of the Baroque style. The building is surrounded by a luxurious classical garden, with fountains and graceful sculptures. Since the beginning of the 90s of the XX century, this attraction has been open to tourists.
Villa Marlia
Villa Marlia is unique in that for several centuries it has retained its original state. This late Renaissance building was erected at the beginning of the 15th century. On the territory of the villa there are artificial ruins, cozy Italian gardens. highlight this place is the unusual water fountain theater of the Teatro d "Aqua. Also, here visitors can admire scenes from comedies played out by miniature figurines in the green theater of the Teatro di Verdura, and enjoy the aromas of the lemon garden.
Palazzo Tucci
The palace is luxurious architectural monument which is located in the very center of the city. The palazzo began its history in the 17th century, and was the property of the Tucci family. Around the 18th century, the house underwent a major restoration at the initiative of its owner, Giuseppe Tucci. As a result of the restoration, the style of the building was changed from medieval to renaissance. The interior of the house is made in a classic style. The art collection contains 18th-century paintings, frescoes and rare canvases.
Palazzo Ducale
Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace) is one of the most beautiful palaces in Lucca. It is located on the east side of Napoleon Square. This ancient palace of the beginning of the XIV century is rich in its history. It is as if time has stopped here. This is a real treasure trove of unique works of art. Luxurious halls store numerous paintings, frescoes, and other exhibits. The Gallery of Marble Statues deserves special attention. A great place to explore old Italy.
Walls of Lucca
These walls are closely associated with the city, as throughout its history they were erected along with it. The first mention of the city walls dates back to the Roman period, and dates back to 180 BC. Today, the total length of the surviving belt of walls is almost 4.5 km. During the construction of the walls, huge blocks of limestone stone were used. In clear sunny weather, the ancient city wall turns into a decoration for various events.
Gate of San Gervasio
This ancient great gate, with a wide arch and two large towers, in ancient times served as the entrance to the city. They were built in the XIII century. Inside, the arch is decorated with an image of the Madonna and Child, which dates back to the 16th century. Also, here you can see a fragment of a unique ancient fresco depicting St. John the Baptist. Mighty medieval towers, inside of which living quarters are now located, originally protected the city from enemies, and were equipped with battlements.
Monastery and Church of Saint Roman
The former Dominican monastery complex is located on the square of the same name in the city of Lucca. The monastery is of great religious value for the inhabitants of Lucca, and is the oldest. On the territory of the complex is the Church of St. Roman. After restoration work in the second half of the 17th century, the interior style of the church was changed to baroque. If you go around the church on the left side, you can see several funerary arches that belong to the famous families of the city.
Monastery and Church of Saint Francis
During the Middle Ages, it was the largest monastic center. Servants of the Franciscan order erected this complex with a church in the distant XIII century. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi impresses with its discreet simplicity and medieval austerity. If you go inside, then tourists will see numerous frescoes of the 15th century. And also, in the walls of this temple, there are several tombstones. It is noteworthy that it was this place that became the repository of the monument to Ugolino Visconti, described by Dante in the Divine Comedy.
Monastery-sanctuary of St. Gemma Gagliani
If you move about 1.3 kilometers east of the Cathedral, you can get into this unique monastery complex. This convent was built in the second half of the 18th century. Previously, it was home to Saint Gemma Gagliani. During her lifetime, this woman had an unusual gift of a seer. Now, her relics rest within its walls. The center of the monastery complex is occupied by a church with a large beautiful dome. The church itself has two facades with slender columns.
Church of Our Lady of the Rose
The city church of the beginning of the XIV century, Santa Maria della Rosa, is located on the street with the romantic name "Rose Street". The altar of this church contains the legendary image of the "Our Lady of the Rose", which is very much appreciated by researchers. Several centuries ago, the inhabitants of the city considered this face to be miraculous. Now it pleases tourists with its beauty. The building of the temple itself is decorated with carved dragons, roses, and stained-glass windows. A statue of the Mother of God with a baby and roses guards the north wall of the structure.
Lily Theater (Teatro del Giglio)
The Lily Theater is the largest Cultural Center, and the oldest theater in the city of Lucca. For the first time, its doors opened to the public in the second half of the 17th century. During its history, the theater building has undergone several reconstructions: after the fire, the fall of the Lucca Republic, and already in our time, in 1985. The theater is a prime example of neoclassical architecture. Brilliant singers and musicians such as Giuseppe Verdi, Vincenzo Bellini, and Gioacchino Rossini sounded on its stage.
Lucca - perfect place as for calm family vacation, and to get acquainted with the Romanesque-Gothic cathedrals and medieval city buildings.
Sights of Lucca. The most important and interesting sights of Lucca - photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, sites.
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The most attractive part of Lucca for tourists can be considered the medieval part of the city - that is, everything that is surrounded by an old protective wall. If you follow the historical chronology while exploring the city, then you should start with the Roman amphitheater, which is located on Via Fillungo (the main entrance from Piazza Scarpellini). True, you will not see the amphitheater as such here. Medieval houses grew exactly where the audience stood thousands of years ago. And its arena is still used today as a concert venue (once Van Morrison and The Eagles performed here).
The Cathedral of San Martino, built in the 14th century, is a wonderful example of Romanesque architecture. Not only does it look great from the outside, but it also houses a wealth of priceless historical and cultural treasures inside. Look at the famous crucifix, which, according to legend, was carved from wood by a contemporary of Jesus Christ, Nicodemus, and the sarcophagus of Illaria del Carretto by Jacopo della Quercia.
Be sure to find an image of the Cretan labyrinth on one of the columns of the portico of the cathedral: it, apparently, is even older than the similar one in Chartres Cathedral (France).
The Guinigi Tower is also one of the must-see attractions in Lucca. Actually, you need to look not at the tower, but from it at the city. It is extremely pleasant to do this, even despite the abundance of people who always hustle at the top: firstly, oak trees were planted on the top of the tower about 400 years ago, giving shade, and secondly, the view itself is mesmerizing. It's definitely worth the 230 steps. The second tower you can climb in Lucca is the Clock Tower with the original clock still in operation. From here you will see the beautiful vista of Fillungo Street.
Fillungo Street is the main street in Lucca. It is full of bars, shops and other things that are so sweet to the heart of a tourist.
A single ticket gives you the opportunity to climb both towers at a discount, but they are located in different parts of the city.
Lucca abounds with beautiful churches, each of which is special. The Church of St. Michael the Archangel is located in the center of the former Roman forum, and it is decorated with an amazing facade with numerous relief columns, which can be viewed for at least an hour in a row (with good optics). The Basilica of San Frediano is distinguished by a monumental gilded mosaic at the very top, on the facade. Church of St. Alexander - the most modest of all, neoclassical, but it will be of great interest to all who are passionate about history and architecture.
Amazing Palazzo Pfanner: in the building itself, only a few rooms are open for inspection, but the gardens can arouse admiration even among those who are completely indifferent to gardening.
Palazzo
The wonderful Palazzos of Lucca are also not to be missed. Between Villa Mansi and Villa Guinigi in the 20th century. The art collection of the National Museum of Lucca was distributed. At the same time, most of the objects of the collection are exhibited in the second mansion, while the first is mainly a museum-like dwelling of a noble and wealthy family. Amazing Palazzo Pfanner: in the building itself, only a few rooms are open for inspection, but the gardens on its territory can arouse admiration even among those who are completely indifferent to gardening.
The latter fully applies to the terraced gardens of Villa Garzoni. This stunning former estate is located, however, not in Lucca itself, but almost on the very border of the province of Lucca. The gardens were created in the middle of the 17th century. next to the old castle, and they have, among other things, the most beautiful "water garden" at the foot of the hill, under the rows of balustrades.
the very best
Cathedral of San Martino
Lucca, Piazza Antelminelli
Construction cathedral in Lucca was begun in 1063 by Bishop Anselm (later Pope Alexander II). This Roman Catholic cathedral is an outstanding architectural masterpiece, although somewhat heterogeneous in appearance due to age and numerous improvements.
the very best
National Museum of Palazzo Mansi
Lucca, Via Galli Tassi, 43
Like the National Museum of Villa Guinigi, this museum occupies an old rich mansion, where in the first half of the 20th century. moved from the Palazzo Pubblico part of the general collection National Museum Lucca. The beautiful building of the Palazzo serves as a reminder of the centuries-old history of the noble Mansi family.
No real traveler would refuse to be in a city with centuries of history, surrounded by fortress walls of the 16th century, almost unaffected by time, among the architecture of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, colorful markets and shops with local delicacies ... Lucca is able to surprise, enchant, intrigue and leave unforgettable impressions.
Lucca is a city with a population of 90 thousand inhabitants, an area of 185.5 sq. Km, located in the northwest, not far from, and.
History of Lucca
Regarding the origin of the city of Lucca, historians express different opinions: some believe that the city that arose in a swampy area has a connection with, based on the Celtic-Ligurian name "Luk", which means "swamp"; other scholars, based on recent archaeological discoveries, attribute the founding of the city to the Etruscans.
But be that as it may, already in 180 BC. Lucca was a Roman colony, as evidenced by the square of the Amphitheater, which has an oval shape, and the forum, located on the site of the modern Piazza San Michele. However, traces of the presence of the ancient Romans are most easily recognized in the historic center of the city, whose streets repeat the strict perpendicularity of Roman streets. The first fortifications, which bounded the square of the ancient Roman city planning, belong to the same period.
The history of Lucca consists of periods of wars and foreign domination, followed by years of peace and prosperity. In the 5th century, Lucca was occupied by the Goths, in the 6th century the Byzantines conquered the city, then Lucca became one of the most important cities of the Longobard kingdom. With the fall of the Longobard power in 773, the domination of the Carolingians began, under whose rule the city began to actively develop, thanks to commercial activities and textile production - silk was made here highest quality which was valued in many countries.
Textile products of ancient Lucca (museum in Mansi Palace). A photoflickr. com
Lucca and neighboring Pisa were at war with each other for a long time, and in 1314 the Pisans finally established their power in Lucca, which resulted in the loss of Lucca's monopoly in the textile market. In 1370, Lucca regained its freedom and independence, and in 1438 a truce was signed with Florence, which returned the city to a state of economic and political stability.
In 1799, during the Italian campaign of Napoleon, Lucca came under his rule. Leo Tolstoy mentions this historical fact in his novel War and Peace, opening his famous work with the following phrase, spoken by the maid of honor Anna Scherer in 1805: "Eh bien, mon prince, Gênes et Lucques ne sont plus que des apanages, des" pomestja "de la famille Buonaparte..." (Well, prince, Genoa and Lucca became no more than the estates of the Bonaparte family ...) In 1815 Lucca became a Bourbon duchy, and in 1847 the Duke of Lucca, Charles Louis of Bourbon-Parma, the Duchy of Lucca to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, which led to the loss of its independence.
Coat of arms of the Duchy of Lucca. Photo loschermo.it
The tourist direction began to develop in Lucca around 1930, which was greatly facilitated by the construction of the Firenze-Mare (Florence - Sea) highway.
Sights of Lucca
The first thing that catches the eye of a tourist who decides to explore Lucca is an impressive fortress wall, built in the XV-XVII centuries to protect the city, 4223 meters long, with 11 bastions, six external and three internal gates. Already in the second half of the 19th century, a powerful fortress wall began to be used as a place for hiking. For some time, until the 90s of the last century, cars even drove along it, including heavy ones - the only example in the world of such use of fortress walls. Today the city walls - beautiful place for walking and cycling.
Alley on the city wall. A photoflickr. com
History Center Lucca has survived almost unchanged since the Middle Ages - the same narrow streets, squares with adjoining towers and palaces, and about 60 churches. The city is crossed by the central street of ancient Lucca - Via Fillungo (Via Fillungo).
Via Fillungo. A photoflickr. com
Cathedral of Saint Martin. Photo flickr.com
Among the masterpieces that can be seen inside the cathedral are the painting "Madonna Enthroned with Child and Saints" by the 15th-century Florentine artist Domenico Ghirlandaio and the tomb monument of Ilaria Carretto by the sculptor Jacopo Della Quercia.
Tombstone by Jacopo della Quercia. A photobefan. it
Church of St. Michael(Chiesa di San Michele in Foro), located on, and (Basilica di San Frediano) are prime examples of Pisano-Luccan architecture.
Church of St. Michael. A photoflickr. com
(Torre Giunigi) 44 meters high is the main and most high tower Lucca is one of the few that have survived to this day, although at the beginning of the 14th century there were more than 250 towers and bell towers in the city. The Guinigi, the most distinguished family of the city, decided to ennoble their family tower by planting several oak trees on its top - a symbol of rebirth.
Guinigi Tower.A photoflickr. com
Amphitheater Square(Piazza dell "Anfiteatro) has the shape of an ellipse, since it was built in the Middle Ages on the remains of an ancient Roman amphitheater dating back to the 2nd century. The level of the modern square is three meters higher than the ancient arena. Four gates lead to the square, only one of which , the lowest, completely repeat their medieval original.
Amphitheater Square. A photobanning power. org
Villa Paolo Guinigi(XV century) since 1924 it has been the location of the State Museum, containing a rich art and archaeological collection.
Mansi Palace(Palazzo Mansi), built at the end of the 16th century, is also currently a museum, the exhibits of which are not only paintings by masters of the 19th century, but also samples of ancient fabrics and textile products of Lucca.
Palace Pfanner(Palazzo Pfanner) XVII century - a magnificent example of Lucca baroque, surrounded by a beautiful garden.
AT House Museum of Giacomo Puccini, where the composer was born, his letters, scores, photographs, personal items are currently stored.
What to try in Lucca
The local cuisine is based on ancient traditions of cooking simple, but tasty and original dishes. Let's name some of them. Garmucha- spring soup with onions, peas, artichokes, asparagus, green beans in beef broth, served with pieces of meat and brisket and toasted bread with olive oil. Matuffi- tender polenta (porridge made from cornmeal) with meat sauce or with mushrooms and parmesan. Rovellin- thin slices of beef, fried and stewed in a sauce of tomatoes, capers and herbs. fried baccala(dried cod) with chickpeas seasoned with olive oil, pepper and salt. Rabbit in sauce from onions, garlic, tomatoes, olives, red peppers and herbs. Pork with chestnut flour polenta, lamb with olives, trout from the Serchio river on a spit.
Vegetable casseroles are also an integral part of Lucca's cuisine, using spinach, green beans, artichokes, cauliflower and chard. Vegetables are baked in the oven with bechamel sauce and egg yolks. Almost all dishes are seasoned with local, marked with the DOP sign.
Sweets lovers should pay attention to buccelato- sweet cake with raisins and anise, castagnaccio- chestnut flour cake with pine nuts and raisins, necchi- chestnut flour pancakes stuffed with ricotta.
Sweet things. A photonelliamiacucina. altervista. org
Guilt of this zone are both white and red Montecarlo DOC and Colline Lucchesi DOC, as well as the aromatic herbal liqueur Biadina, which is also a wonderful souvenir for tourists, since it is produced in only one place in the historical center of Lucca.
How to get to Lucca
By car: from Florence on the A11 Firenze-Mare motorway; from Genoa - take the A12 Genova-Rosignano motorway.
Lucca can be reached by train or bus from Florence, Pisa and Viareggio.
By plane: Pisa Airport 30 km, Florence Airport 70 km, Rome Airport 350 km.
