Lucca

Lucca is a charming medieval walled town at the border, between the ancient Etruscan and Ligurian lands, whose origins date back to unspecified epochs. To the north lies the Garfagnana region, a mountainous area popular with walkers and rich in old fortresses and castles. To the south is the Serra Mountain which divides Lucca from Pisa.

The city sits on the plain of the river Serchio, then called Auser, which used to be a marshy area. It’s name derives indeed from the Ligurian, Luk, that means “marshy place”. In the Middle Age the area was drained and the river Auser deviated seawards, greatly improving the situation of the city.

Lucca has been invaded by Gothones, Byzantines, and Langobardi, which converted its inhabitants to Christianity in 570 A.C. Lucca flourished again in this period, specially thanks to the via Francigena-Romea, the road that links up Lucca with rest of Italy and Europe, and enabled the commercial and cultural growth of this wonderful city.

Not to be missed:

• Piazza dell’Anfiteatro built in the Middle Age on the remains of a Roman amphitheatre (II century A.C) from which has inherited the elliptical closed shape. It is accessible through four vaulted doors, of which only one has traced faithfully the original access.
• A delicious ice cream at “Santini” in pizza Cittadella, from where you will admire the statue of the popular composer and musical director Giacomo Puccini
• San Romano Church, splendid baroccan work of art built in XIII century on the remains of  an old oratory dated back at 792.

If you still feel like discovering more, and have some energy left over, there are the 254 steps up the Guinigi Tower…at the top of which they’ll enjoy the breathtaking view of the whole city and its beautiful surrounding countryside!

Situated in a great position, at a few minutes from the sea and just one hour by car from Florence, a holiday in Lucca means exploring, discovering, enjoying, relaxing and also a huge range of local festivals and international music meetings and antique markets.

Such is the quantity of events going on in town that trying to sort them out can be quite a rough affair...

Making the most of your holiday will come naturally out of your choice to stay here!

Food: Autumn - Spring
wine and olive oil exhibitions and tastings
visits to farms, wine cellars and olive presses
a variety of great local country cuisine and world class restaurants.

Folklore:
Medieval settings recreating life in those distant times.
Crossbow competition in Lucca, July 12th.

Flowering and Gardening:
Santa Zita Flower show - April
Murabilia - September
Ancient Camellias - March

Lucca Comics and Games: October/November

Music:
Summer Festival
Puccini Opera festival
Daily performances of Puccini music
Concerts in churches & villas

Antiques Market:
Every 3rd weekend of the month

Settembre Lucchese:
A variety of events of all sorts to celebrate the month of the harvest, that dates back in time. The highlight of which is the 13th with the candlelight Procession of the Holy Cross through the streets of the city and Fireworks.