Lucca

Here are some key facts and highlights about Lucca:

• The Walls: The city’s most famous feature is its massive, intact Renaissance walls that encircle the old town. These walls have been converted into a broad, tree-lined pathway that is popular for walking, jogging, and cycling. The circuit is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long.
• Historic Center: The old town is characterized by cobblestone streets, elegant plazas, and an atmosphere that is often described as more relaxed than other major Tuscan cities. The rectangular grid of the historic center still preserves the ancient Roman street plan.
• Key Landmarks:
  • Piazza dell’Anfiteatro: A unique circular piazza built on the ruins of a 2nd-century Roman amphitheater.
  • Guinigi Tower (Torre Guinigi): A distinctive medieval tower with a small garden of oak trees growing at its very top.
  • Lucca Cathedral (Duomo di San Martino): A stunning church that houses the revered wooden crucifix, the “Volto Santo” (Holy Face).
  • Casa di Puccini: The birthplace of the famous opera composer Giacomo Puccini (La Bohème, Madama Butterfly), now a house museum.
• Culture & Events:
  • Lucca Comics & Games: Europe’s largest festival for comics, movies, and games, held annually around November 1st.
  • Lucca Summer Festival: An annual series of major concerts featuring international rock and pop stars, held in Piazza Napoleone.
• Cuisine: Local specialties include tordelli lucchesi (stuffed pasta) and buccellato (a sweet, anise-flavored ring-shaped bread, often dipped in wine).
• Location: It is located on the Serchio River and is conveniently situated for day trips to other Tuscan cities like Pisa (about 30 minutes away) and Florence (about an hour away).