Lucca: All you need to know
The city of Ilaria, the unfortunate bride. Lots and lots are the definitions of Lucca, one of the more distinguished italian cities comparable to a costly case containing invaluable historic and artistic treasures.
Mario Tobino's is the definition we prefer:
"Why do you love Lucca so much? Because it is a village. Although its marbles, its sky is light.".
These two lines underline the integrity of a historical-centre perfectly enclosed by a town-wall that has always been kept intact. Moreover this definition stresses the quality of the monuments characterizing this place and the strong emotion they arouse with their vertical and silhouetted against the sky profile. St. Martin Cathedral, St. Michael in Foro Church ( the heart of this town) or St. Frediano Church are examples of the architecture typical of Pisa and Lucca.
The same emotion felt by the pilgrims arrived in Lucca following Via Francigena, as they knelt down in front of the Volto Santo, a wood cross (following the tradition it was taken in Lucca from Terrasanta). The same emotion felt by the tourists admiring Ilaria del Carretto's grave, made by Jacopo della Quercia and nowadays in the Cathedral: this grave is one of the more important examples of italian sculpture. Ilaria was Paolo Guinigi's wife. In 1405 she died as she was still very young.
Another relevant monument you can enjoy in Lucca is the tower belonging to Guinigi's palace: on this tower, considered the symbol of this city, grow some imposing holm-oaks and from its top you can enjoy a wonderful sight, with the town-wall's profile perfectly recognizable. The Roman amphitheatre (II c.) holds 10.000 spectators and its shape is still recognizable (if you go round the square along Via dell'Anfiteatro). Nowadays this amphitheatre represents the ideal scenography for outdoor shows even if, some years ago, it was simply the square where the fruit and vegetable market was located. You have to gradually find out the beauties of this city; they are to be found in the churches, in the streets, in the palaces, in the squares, in the museums. Some of these museums are really interesting as, for examples, the National Museum in Villa Guinigi, an impressive villa built during the XV century as the master of Lucca desired).
What to see in the Surroundings
We have selected 4 interesting things to see nearby.
If four are few and are not enough for you then read our posts , you will find many ideas to spend your holiday in Versilia with your family, alone, as a couple or with your friends.
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The opera comes out in the Grand Theater Puccini in Torre del Lago, all summer concerts with great artists from around the world.
La Garfagnana is the right place for lovers of nature, the mountains and good food. There are many itineraries available outdoors and in the cave!
In Tuscany there are 16 certified fields: it is the ideal place to train or compete, immersed in landscapes that offer the most different sensations.
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Lucca How to reach:
by Car
Tramite autostrada è raggiungibile dal sud, attraverso Autosole A1, fino a Firenze, e poi attraverso la Firenze Mare A11 e la Livorno-Genova A12. Dal Nord attraverso Autosole A1 fino a Parma e poi l'autostrada della Cisa A15 fino a S. Stefano, e quindi A12 Genova-Livorno. Through motorway is reachable from SOUTH, through Autosole A1, as far as Firenze and then through the Firenze Mare A11 and the Livorno-Genova A12. From NORTH through Autosole A1 as far as Parma and then through the Cisa A15 to S.Stefano, and then through the A12 Genova-Livorno.
Tollhouse: Lucca
by Train
- Line: Ventimiglia-Torino-Genova-Pisa-Firenze-Roma
- Line : Genova-Parma-Bologna
- Line : Livorno-Milano
- Railway station of Lucca
by Plane
The international airports in Pisa, Genoa and Florence provide reliable transport to the main city.
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