What’s hidden behind Lucca’s Renaissance walls?
Behind the Leonardo de Vinci designed walls of the wonderful city of Lucca lies a wealth of architectural history and beauty. The gorgeous red tiled roofs are punctuated by towers and elegant churches dating back to the gothic era that are all worth exploring.
Every time you visit Lucca, it’s safe to say you will discover a new building or square that you have not seen before. It is a city that does not get too overcrowded, so you can walk around in relatively relaxed surroundings.
Torre Guinigi
Torre Guinigi is the most impressive tower inside the city, mainly because at its very top it has a hanging garden of holly oak. It was built in the 300s as a prestige monument to a local wealthy family.
Via Fillungo
Via Fillungo is the place to visit if you are looking for shops. Its narrow street also has a number of traditional bars. If you feel peckish try the traditional Buccellato, the symbolic cake of Lucca.
Roman Amphitheatre
The Roman Amphitheatre was built during the Middle Ages. Ancient houses surround the amphitheatre, alongside the “Piazza Anfiteatro”, which is famous for hosting many concerts and events, particularly the Anfiteatro Jazz Festival.
Duomo di San Martino
Duomo di San Martino is a Romanesque cathedral originating from the 14th century. It contains a ‘miracle’ in the form of a wooden crucified Christ that is supposed to have not been created by any human hand.
Torre delle Ore
Torre delle Ore is a clock tower, which was built in the Middle Ages. It is linked to the legend of Lucida Mansi, a woman who sold her soul to the devil in order to stay young and beautiful for thirty years. When the devil returned to collect her soul, she tried to stop the clock, but did not make it in time. The devil put her in a burning carriage and drove around the town, until she dived into the pond, which is now the botanical gardens. They say you can still see her face on the bottom, if you dare to dive in.
Palazzo Mansi
Palazzo Mansi is a 16th century palace in Baroque style, which hosts a National Gallery with Venetian, Flemish and Florentine paintings.
The garden of Palazzo Pfanner
The garden of Palazzo Pfanner was built around 1667. It is a Baroque garden with interesting statues and fountains, where you can take a breather on your explorations, and enjoy the silence. There is a beautiful ornate staircase, which leads from one level of the garden to another. This stunning Baroque garden was featured in the film ‘The portrait of a lady’ with Nicole Kidman, adapted from the novel by Henry James.
Although steeped in history, Lucca is not slow in providing contemporary entertainment. In October each year it plays host to the world’s second largest comic and games convention, where thousands throng the streets in colourful masks. In July Lucca opens its doors to some of the biggest names in pop culture such as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Elton John and Stevie Wonder, in the popular Lucca Summer Festival, the biggest music event in Tuscany.