The history of Italy is palpable in Lucca, a city that the Etruscans built before the year 180 BC when Romans took it over as a colony. For hundreds of years, it was an independent republic eventually taken over by Napoleon and then absorbed into the Italian state. Throughout its life, rulers of Lucca have consistently preserved the city’s architecture, including the 40-foot Renaissance walls that encircle the town’s center. Today, visitors can enjoy this one-of-a-kind city as if they are taking a step back in time, as it reveals many centuries of the region’s history.
Architectural Wonders
One of the first things you’ll note about Lucca is its intact medieval walls that encircle the town center. They’re over 2.5 miles long and wide enough to maintain a small forest and park with a running or cycling strip. Inside the walls are large tunnels that the city’s inhabitants once used for military purposes and now use for art exhibits. The walls are a beloved part of Lucca, and the people have cherished them for centuries for their security and recreational functions.
People often refer to Lucca as the City of 100 Churches, and that is because there are so many religious buildings in this historic city. Most of the churches are medieval, some dating back to the 8th century. Examples of must-see churches include:
- Cathedral of Saint Martin
- Basilica of San Frediano
- Church of San Michel in Foro
- Church of Saints Giovanni and Reparata
Finally, no one can forget the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, which is at Lucca’s city center and still closely resembles the amphitheater that it once was. Today, you enter this public square by one of the four entrances, and you can enjoy a quaint dining or shopping experience. There are also many private residences here.
Cultural Events and Festivals
The two most noteworthy festivals in Lucca are the Lucca Summer Festival and the Lucca Comics & Games. The summer festival happens in July and celebrates musicians from all over the world. Concerts are often held in Piazza Napoleone or the Piazza Anfiteatro. Lucca Comics & Games was founded in 1966, originally as a small comic book convention. Over the years, it has grown into one of the largest pop culture festivals in Europe, celebrating not only comics but also video games, fantasy, and cosplay. Held annually in Lucca, Italy, the event transforms the historic town into a lively festival where fans of all ages come to meet their favorite authors, artists, and creators. This year, the event will take place from Wednesday, October 30, 2024, starting at 9:00 AM, to Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Other cultural events in Lucca include Cartasia, a festival dedicated to paper, and many events that are nods to opera, as the town is the birthplace of famed composer Giacomo Puccini.
Culinary Delights
Finally, the Tuscan culinary experience is epitomized in Lucca. If you eat within the city walls, consider Osteria Miranda, L’Angolo Tondo, or Osteria dal Manzo. Outside the city walls, consider Osteria al Borgo or Ciacco al Borgo. You’ll find all the authentic Italian dishes at these restaurants, from refreshing paninis to rich tomato tagliolini, gnocchi, or lasagna. Eating in any Lucca location is delightful because of the whimsical historical setting, and the food is as incredible as the surroundings.
The highlights of Lucca are embedded in a history that involves major world leaders such as Napoleon and their inexplicable urge to preserve this gem in the heart of Tuscany. There is no other place like Lucca, Italy, and the things that Lucca is known for must be experienced for visitors to appreciate it. Visiting Lucca is a privilege that you can’t find anywhere else in the world, as its preservation has melded its incredible past with its extraordinary present.
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