Italy. The magnificent city of Lucca. Lucca: one of the most beautiful cities in Italy

Lucca is one of the oldest and interesting cities 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.

Tower of Torre Guinigi

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 that tell about the medieval life of the city.

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

Cathedral 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

National Museum Villa Guinigi is home to 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 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 perfect place for tourist recreation. IN old times there was a Roman amphitheatre. This cozy sunny square is surrounded by old houses 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. Internal layout at home for centuries of history has undergone several restorations. 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 the Palace of the Praetors, is located in the central square of 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 spiritual history, it is also of great interest to archaeologists. Excavations in its vicinity are still ongoing. 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

The city botanical garden is one of the 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 the wonderful world of flora and fauna. Birds can be found here various kinds, 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. The appearance of 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 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 a magnificent 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 Lucca. It is located on the east side of Napoleon Square. This ancient palace 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. Gallery deserves special attention marble statues. 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, 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. The statue of the Virgin with a baby and roses guards the northern 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. Theater is a prime example neoclassical architecture. Brilliant singers and musicians such as Giuseppe Verdi, Vincenzo Bellini, and Gioacchino Rossini sounded on its stage.

Lucca is a great place for a relaxing family holiday, as well as for exploring the Romanesque-Gothic cathedrals and medieval city buildings.

Lucca (Italy) - the most detailed information about the city with a photo. The main attractions of Lucca with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Lucca (Italy)

Lucca is a city in Western Italy in the region of Tuscany. It is located on a plain in the valley of the Serchio River in the northwestern part of the region. Lucca - small charming city merchants and weavers, famous for its historical and cultural monuments, well-preserved historical center and almost intact city walls of the 16th century. The climate is Mediterranean with dry and hot summers and cool rainy winters.

Practical information

1. The population is 89.4 thousand people.
2. The area is 185.8 square kilometers.
3. The language is Italian.
4. Currency - euro.
5. Visa - Schengen.
6. Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
7. The main shopping street Via Fillungo crosses the historic center from north to south. Here you can find various Italian designer stores such as: Missoni, Armani, Max Maria, etc.
8. Only in Lucca you can try a special sweet bread in the form of a small baguette or bun with anise flavor and raisins. It's called Buccellato.
9. Majority local restaurants and many shops may be closed from 13.00 to 17.00.
10. Bars and other similar establishments can be found in the areas of San Colombano, San Michele.
11. You can drink tap water in Lucca.

Story

The settlement was founded by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. Although there is evidence that the Etruscans lived here before the arrival of the Romans. Interestingly, the layout of the old town and some streets remained virtually unchanged.

In the Middle Ages, Lucca played an important role in trade, as routes from Rome, Florence, Parma and Pisa converged here. In the 8th century, the residence of the princes of the Lombards was located here. After the collapse of the Carolingian Empire, Lucca was the residence of the rulers of Tuscany, until they moved to Florence in the 12th century.

In the late Middle Ages, the city did not lose its significance. Lucca grew rich thanks to trade (especially the sale of silk) and artisans (weavers). In the 15th century, the city lost the regional palm to Florence. At the beginning of the 19th century, during the Napoleonic wars, Lucca became part of the principality, which belonged to Bonaparte's sister, Eliza. After the defeat of Napoleon and the Congress of Vienna, the duchy of the same name was formed, which in the middle of the 19th century became part of Tuscany.

How to get there

The nearest airport is in Pisa, just 20 minutes away by train. There are no direct trains from the airport. You must first get to Pisa, and then to the railway station of Lucca. Trains run every 30 minutes. Tickets cost just over 3 euros. Lucca is also on the Viareggio-Florence (Santa Maria Novella) line. Trains from the capital of Tuscany run every hour. Tickets cost 7 euros.

Attractions

The most important sights of Lucca.

Old city Lucca is very charming and interesting. Its main highlight is the chain of city walls, which is 4 km long. The fortifications of the city had 11 towers and 6 gates. The walls are 12 meters high and up to 30 meters thick at the base. They were built by Flemish engineers in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Cathedral of St. Martina is a masterpiece of the Romanesque style. It was built in the 13th century on the site of an earlier church. The cathedral is distinguished by beautiful columns and a rich interior, to which many famous masters "made" their hands. On the right is a massive 69 meters high bell tower made of light travertine and brick. Inside the cathedral on the right is the famous stone sculpture of St. Martin and the beggar, dating from the early 13th century. It is considered one of the finest examples of the Romanesque style in Lucca. Also in the interior stand out: the 15th century Civitali pulpit, paintings by Ghirlandaio, the sculpture of St. John the Evangelist by Jacopo della Quercia and stained glass windows. In the left transept is the early 18th century tomb of Ilaria del Carretto and one of the main treasures of the cathedral, the Volto Santo, an image of Christ on the Cross.

On the north side of the cathedral is Piazza Antelminelli and a neoclassical fountain designed by Lorenzo Nottolini. The fountain is the end point of the monumental aqueduct coming from the hills of Lucca. On the cathedral square you can also look at the palace and the garden. Next to the palace is the church of Saints Giovanni and Reparat and the baptistery.

The Guinigi Tower is one of the symbols of Lucca, high tower in the very center of the old city with oaks growing on its top. The tower is 44 meters high and you can climb it. The tower is part of two palaces built in the 15th century. Now they house a national museum.

Church of St. Michael - the most beautiful church of the 13th century with a marble facade, columns and an elegant bell tower. The interior of the church has retained its Romanesque character and contains many valuable works of art. Along the perimeter of the square of the same name, there are ancient buildings made of stone and brick, and among them, in the southwest, the Renaissance Prestorian palace stands out.

Not far from the church is big square, dedicated to Napoleon, where the Palazzo Ducale stands - the residence of the rulers since the time of Castruccio. To the southwest is the church of San Romano, built by the Dominicans in the 13th century. In the northeastern part of the square is the small church of San Giusto, built in the 12th century. In general, Lucca is rich in ancient sacred buildings.

San Frediano is a beautiful 12th century basilica. Built on the site of an early 6th century church. religious building It has a beautiful interior and architecture, which combines several architectural styles at once.

Not far from San Frediano is the ancient square of the Roman amphitheatre. This odd oval space is surrounded by multistory buildings and was once the interior of a Roman arena. Interestingly, the buildings follow the contour of its massive stone walls and are built on their foundations. The amphitheater was built in the second century BC and was largely destroyed during the barbarian invasions. Now its fragments lie several meters below street level.

Would you like to organize a trip to Lucca, the art city and need precise information? Want to know. why tourists love this medieval italian city and not in a hurry to leave here? Quick guide around the city will help you.

Briefly about the history of the city

Hotels in Lucca and satellite map

Which museums are worth visiting

A great Italian opera composer was born in Lucca Giacomo Puccini. Visit the Composer's House-Museum and get acquainted with the stages of his life and work, see family portraits, letters and notes of the composer, as well as the famous Steiway piano on which the masterpiece was created Turandot. (1926). Address: Piazza San Michele. The entrance ticket costs 7 euros. Schedule:

Pinacoteca Palazzo Mansi- for lovers of painting. Mostly canvases of the 19th century are presented here. You can also enjoy the works Tintoretto, Titian, Ghirlandaio, Veronese And Domenichino. Address: Via Galli Tassi, 43 (on the map). The entrance ticket costs 4 euros. Schedule:

Weekdays: from 8.30 to 19.30
Weekends and Mondays: closed

National Museum of Villa Gvinigi(on Via della Quarquonia). Among the many exhibits from different eras, the most prominent are painted cross Berlinguiero Berlinguieri, SorrowMatteo Civitali, Ecstasy of St. Catherine of Siena work Pompeo Batoni, Madonna of Mercy Florentine artist Fra Bartolomeo. Schedule:

Tuesday - Saturday: from 8.30 to 19.30
In July and August, also open on Sunday from 8.30 to 13.30
Day off - Monday

Image Gallery - Villa Gvinigi:

Lucca is great old City able to fall in love with himself at first sight even the most seasoned tourist his rich history, beautiful churches, luxurious restaurants... Tucked away behind impressive Renaissance walls, Lucca is definitely one of those cities in Tuscany where you should stop for a weekend.

It is hard to imagine a city more romantic than Lucca in the spring. From the end of March to the beginning of June, the surrounding valleys and fields are painted in bright, juicy colors that have descended from the canvases of the Impressionists. The bright greens of which are diluted only by wild flowers, here and there playfully exposing their delicate buds from the grass. The weather is like a perfect English summer: the sky is cloudless blue, and the wind is fresh and pleasantly cool. Besides, spring is still low season, so staying in the city these days will not only be more profitable compared to July and August, but also more comfortable.

A bit of history

Founded by the Etruscans in 180 BC. e., Lucca became a colony of the Romans and remained in the status of a free self-governing city until the 12th century. In 1314, the ruler of Pisa "laid eyes" on her, and only thanks to selfless efforts local population under the leadership of Castruccio Castracani degli Antelminelli, Lucca regained its independence for another 5 centuries.

The extravaganza of arbitrariness by Napoleon ended in 1805, when he created the Principality of Lucca and placed his relatives on the throne, in particular, his sister Eliza. Twenty years later, power passed into the hands of the Bourbons, until Lucca became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

Information office

APT Lucca Tourist Information Office: Piazza Santa Maria, 35

Tel/Fax: 0039 0583 919931, 0039 0583469964

How to get there

Lucca is located on the railway. Florence - Pisa - Viareggio, so from here you can quickly and conveniently get to Pisa (about 3 EUR, 25 minutes on the way) and Florence (5 EUR, 1.5 hours) via Pistoia (3.5-4 EUR, 45 minutes) and Prato (4 EUR, 1 hour).

The A11 leads west to Pisa and Viareggio and east to Florence. The SS12 and then SS445 road can be reached from Forno.

From the main bus station in Piazzale Verdi, CLAP buses leave for almost all cities and villages in the region, for example, in Castelnuovo (3-5 EUR, 1.5 hours). Lazzi organizes flights to Florence (5-7 EUR, 1.5 hours), Pisa (2-4 EUR, 45 minutes, departure every hour), La Spezia (5-7 EUR, 3 hours) and Marina di Carrara (3-5 EUR, 2 hours) with a stop at Marina di Massa.

Search for flights to Pisa (nearest airport to Lucca)

Transport

It is convenient to move around the city on foot, it is not so large that you have to use a car or public transport. From the railway station to Corso Garibaldi and Piazza le Verdi is served by CLAP electric buses, but many argue that it is both faster and more scenic to walk.

To hail a taxi, call: 0583 95 52 00. Finally, to take a leisurely look around Lucca, you can rent a bike from Poli (Piazza Santa Maria 42) or Cicli Bizzarri (Piazza Santa Maria 32) for 2.50/12 EUR per hour/day .

Cuisine and restaurants

If you want to dine like Puccini or American modernist poet Ezra Pound, head to the Buca di Sant'Antonio. This restaurant traces its history back to 1782, offering only "high" cuisine at the same high prices(dish from 30 EUR). You can try lamb with olives, pasta with hare or roast goat with artichokes cooked in the traditional Lucian style. Buca di Sant' Antonio is located near Piazza San Michele.

The best breakfast, they say, is served at Caffè di Simo - a cappuccino and cornetto (Italian croissant) in an Art Nouveau interior. Since those magical times when Puccini played the piano here, nothing has changed: neither the long shiny bar counter full of all sorts of food, nor the slow service. The cost is quite acceptable - no one will ask you for more than 3-4 EUR for breakfast.

Pausing for a bite to eat is best at Forno A Vapore Amedeo Giusti. And even better - buy here all the ingredients for an unforgettable picnic: homemade focaccia with tomatoes, onions, olives, potatoes and mozzarella, artichokes, cheese. Address: Via Santa Lucia 18/20.

Dinner in Lucca should be unforgettable, so try it at Vineria I Santi. Small but very cozy restaurant with an amazing selection of wines on Piazza del l'Anfiteatro. In addition, the restaurant Vecchia Trattoria Buralli, hidden on Via San Giorgio, has proven itself to be excellent.

Locanda Eremo del Gusto (Via Gelli 35/37 - Petrognano - Capannori) is famous for its magnificent views of the city. Trattoria da Leo (Via Tegrimi 1) serves traditional Tuscan cuisine.

A must-tasting is the typical Luccan sweet baguette bread Buccellato (Buccellato) with an unusual taste of anise. You can find it in the small shops of Taddeucci, near the Cathedral of St. Martin on the main square of Lucca.
Everywhere in the city there are graceful fountains with water, it is not only possible to drink from them, but even necessary - the water here is clean, cold and fresh. Many locals they even fill large cylinders with it, so that they can drink and cook at home later.

Shops and shopping

Lucca is home to one of the best antique markets in all of Italy. So it’s worth giving free rein to your feelings and go headlong into the world of silver trinkets, jewelry, bronze, antique carpets, accessories and books. Where and when to bargain: every third weekend in almost all more or less large and significant areas of the city.

The main shopping alley of the city in its modern sense is Via Fillungo. There are boutiques of famous Italian stamps(Missoni, Armani, Max Mara), simpler shops and souvenir shops. You can choose a bottle of wine or an aperitif as a keepsake at Enoteca Vanni (Piazza del Salvatore 7).

Guides in Lucca

Popular hotels in Lucca

Entertainment and attractions of Lucca

Lucca is one of the few Italian cities where the ancient fortress walls, more than 4 km in diameter, have been almost completely preserved. They give the city a unique atmosphere of the Middle Ages, comfort, romance. It is worth taking a walk around outside, inside and even from above - paths lined with plane trees are laid along the wide walls.

Since the 6th century, the main architectural dominant of the city has been the cathedral church of St. Martin in Piazza San Martino. Inside the cathedral, the tombstone of Ilaria del Carretto and the statue of St. John the Evangelist, as well as the works of Tintoretto (Last Supper), Ghirlandaio (Madonna and Child and Saints) and Civitali (monuments to Da Noceto and Bertini), attract attention. And thanks to the golden age of culture - the trecento - Lucca acquired a whole scattering of small churches and chapels with bizarre facades. One of the must-sees is the Basilica of St. Fredian, where the incorrupt relics of St. Zita (1212-1272) are kept.

The name Puccini has been mentioned several times in the description of Lucca for a reason, because this city is the birthplace of the great composer. In addition, another musical genius of Italy, Luigi Boccherini, was born here, and in 1995, 4 months before his death, Joseph Brodsky visited the city.

Not far from the church of St. Martin, a building with a Gothic dome attracts attention - this is the Baptistery of the 14th century; as well as the church of San Giovanni of the 12th century and the monument to Marie-Louise of Bourbon (1834).

Another outstanding religious monument city ​​- the Basilica of San Freliano 12-14 centuries with an elegant facade, decorated with mosaics "Ascension". Opposite - one of the most characteristic squares of Lucca - Piazza del Amphitheatre, which stands on the site of a Roman amphitheater of the 2nd century. Nearby you can see the Church of San Pietro Somaldi, with an elegant Pisano-Romanesque façade and a brick bell tower.

On Via Guinigi, two rows of brick buildings attract attention - the Guinigi Houses. It is here that the famous tower is located, on the upper platform of which is broken hanging garden. Behind the houses is the Church of Santa Maria Forisportam (Italian for "outside the fortress wall") with a strict marble facade, decorated with arcades and loggias.

Palaces of Lucca

The number of graceful and majestic palazzos, villas and mansions in Lucca exceeds all decent, befitting the size of the city, frames. We will mention only the best of the best. For example, the unfinished building of the great Ammannati - Palazzo della Provincia. Also notable is the 17th century Palazzo Mansi on Via Galli Tassi. It's worth pausing here to see the charming interiors and the 18th century Matrimonial Bedroom, a carved Baroque alcove. In addition, Mansi hides behind its facades the National Museum with an excellent collection of paintings by artists of the Renaissance period - the 19th century. You can see the work of Giordano, Bronzino, Veronese, Tintoretto. Nearby, with another 10 minutes, you can enjoy the interior of the Renaissance church of San Paolino with works of art from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Palazzo Pretorio is a noteworthy palace, the construction of which was started back in 1492 according to the project of Civitali. Nearby is the 14th century Pisano-Luccan Romanesque church of San Michele in Foro. Behind the façade, crowned with a statue of Archangel Michael, are works by Filippino Lippi, Andrea della Robbia and Raffaello da Montelupo.

Finally, you can look at the Palazzo Bernardini and Villa Gvinigi (not to be confused with the houses of Gvinigi). The latter houses a museum where both sections are worth seeing: the archaeological section with finds from the Etruscans and the ancient Romans; and fine arts.

Lucca is a 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 such ancient doors lies the usual everyday life 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.