translated from Italian language with GoogleLucca - Lucca, built in northern Tuscany and capital of the province of the same name, stands as the central fulcrum of the Plain of Lucca.
His is a flat area historically traveled by silk merchants and pilgrims of the Via Francigena, the road that Sigeric, bishop of Canterbury, made on foot in 994, from Canterbury to Rome. Its original name could derive from the Celtic-Ligurian term "Luk", which means "marshy place", even if recent archaeological discoveries have suggested an Etruscan origin. However, it was the Romans who left the most evident traces of their passage, with the foundation of the walled city and the layout of the streets, partly still preserved, the Roman Forum in Piazza San Michele and the Amphitheater, built in the second half of the 1st century outside the walls.
Lucca was also a small republic until the arrival of the Bonapartes. Precisely during the Napoleonic period, Princess Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi undertook a renewal program of the city, centered on Porta Elisa, Palazzo Ducale and the botanical garden. What Lucca has inherited from its past is the beauty of the historic center: from the colored marbles to the winding medieval streets, the city is ready to amaze anyone.
The visit can begin by skirting the mighty walls, which have been intact for centuries.
We continue with the three symbols of Lucchese religious architecture, namely the Basilica of Saints Paolino and Donato, the Basilica of San Frediano and the Cathedral of San Martino, even if the churches are many more, so much so that Lucca deserves the nickname of "City of 100 churches".
But Lucca is also the "City of a Hundred Towers", the most beautiful of which is Torre Guinigi, which belonged to the family of the same name, with a hanging forest on top. From its top it is possible to admire the whole city from above, from the medieval via Fillungo to the squares of San Michele, San Martino and Napoleone.
Lucca can also boast a musical tradition that has no equal, thanks to illustrious names such as Luigi Boccherini, Alfredo Catalani and Giacomo Puccini.
Of the latter, it is possible to follow an itinerary to discover his footsteps, starting from the birthplace.
From the coast to the high mountain peaks, passing through flat expanses, the territory of Lucca is the best you can expect for an unmissable gastronomy, made of fresh fish, berries, game and local agriculture (which grows the red bean of Lucca and spelled from Garfagnana).
Special mention for castagnaccio (in the local dialect "cake of neccio"), tordelli, bread from Lucca, bucellato and rovelline alla lucchese.
To taste these local flavors, the best moments are the events that take place in the streets of Lucca, such as the procession on the occasion of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (evening before September 14), the Palio della Balestra that still takes place according to the regulation of 1443 (July 12) and the Medieval Fair of the Holy Cross in September.
For those who love pop culture, however, Lucca Comics & Games is not to be missed, considered the second most important convention in the world (after the Japanese Comiket) dedicated to the world of comics, animation, games and video games.
All that remains is to enjoy the sunset over the Tuscan hills, sipping a red Colline Lucchesi DOC, a red Montecarlo DOC or a Biadina herbal liqueur.
HOW TO GET THERE: The reference airports are in Florence and Pisa. Lucca is served by its own railway station. By car from Rome: take A1dir / E35, follow A1 / E35 and A11 / E76 in the direction of SS 12 radd / Viale Europa in Lucca, exit at Lucca Est, continue on SS 12 radd / Viale Europa, follow the signs for Lucca.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT: It is worth taking a bath in Marina di Pisa. Its location is also perfect for visiting the historic center of Florence.
ON THE MAP WITH A CLICK ON THEIR OCHER COLOR BUTTON:
there are also 10 beautiful photos each location.
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