Preview
Once, one of our neighbours in Florence told us that at weekends they often take their children to nearby Lucca. There, they can cycle along the city walls, stroll through the peaceful historic centre, visit a museum, enjoy lunch at a restaurant without the crowds, and then leisurely return home in the afternoon.
And it really is like that! The greatest charm of sightseeing in Lucca is the incredible sense of tranquillity that fills the city. Enter the historic centre through any of the gates in its perfectly preserved city walls, and it feels as though time has stood still.
Lucca’s history tells the story of immense wealth, which allowed the city to retain privileges that set it apart from other Tuscan cities. Lucca was the only city that Cosimo de’ Medici did not incorporate into the Duchy of Tuscany. It was also the last city to sign its accession to a unified Italy.
Founded by the Romans, Lucca still preserves traces of its ancient amphitheatre in the shape of the square that bears its name today. Its legends, saints and heroes take us back to an era when faith, salvation and the fear of hell were powerful forces shaping people’s lives.
Whenever I am in Lucca, I enjoy talking to the locals. They are kind and helpful, and always pleased when I tell them that I will soon be bringing Hungarian groups and visitors to their city. Once, in one of the churches, a lady told me that there is still a saying in use today: “Better a death in the house than a Pisan at the door.”
Well, yes – those good old Tuscan rivalries! And of course, there is a reason behind this one too. I will definitely tell you the story.
And naturally, no visit to Lucca would be complete without a culinary experience. I firmly believe that a trip like this only becomes a truly unforgettable experience when there are flavours to remember as well.
And in Lucca, there certainly will be!
For further details, please contact me.
Practical Information
Duration
3 hours
Sights Along the Walking Tour (viewed from the outside)
Piazza Napoleone, Piazza San Michele, Church of San Michele, Clock Tower, Via Fillungo, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, Piazza San Frediano, Basilica of San Frediano, Cathedral of San Martino, Puccini’s Birthplace
Optional Additional Programmes
Liqueur and local sweet tasting
