Lucca
The Famed Walled City
Lucca is one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany and is famous for many things including the retention of its Renaissance era walls. The walls around the old city were kept intact even as the city became modern and expanded. The walls are historic as they served to preserve and protect the city and its inhabitants. Even though the walls have lost their strategic military importance, today they serve as a beautiful promenade–it’s a beautiful walk or bike ride for you to enjoy with all the greenery and trees.
Lucca has delicious foods and many unique artisan shops. For food, you can enjoy a delicious meal in Lucca and some of the must try foods include: Farro Soup, made with borlotti beans and seasonal vegetables, Tordelli Lucchese which is pasta stuffed with beef, or Necci, a delicious crepe stuffed with ricotta. All are typical Lucchese dishes for you to enjoy. For dessert, try the Buccellato, a ring shaped cake stuffed with raisins and aniseed which is traditionally eaten on Sundays. It’s delicious with your morning coffee or a glass of red wine. Remember, you’re still in Tuscany and Tuscany is famous for its red wines.
Lucca also has many artisan shops. Purchases of interest can include jewelry, art and ceramics. For fashion, head to via Fillungo, which is the main shopping street in Lucca and enjoy window shopping.
In addition to the delicious food, artisan shops and beautiful, famed walls, there are many other must see sights in Lucca. Lucca’s San Martino Cathedral is surrounded by medieval buildings in the Piazza San Martino. With an intricately decorated marble façade, its style is more Roman on the exterior and Gothic on the interior. There’s also the San Michele church in the large square. The square is a great place to sit and enjoy an afternoon. There are many cafes to choose from. If sitting is not how you want to pass the afternoon, you can climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower, a 14th century tower with spectacular views of Lucca. There are 130 steps to climb and you will be greatly rewarded with the spectacular views!
Lucca is not only famous for its walls. It was also the birthplace of the famous opera composer, Giacomo Puccini. His home is now a museum filled with memorabilia, including his piano and musical scores.
These are just a few reasons A Toast to Travel’s Highlights of Florence and Tuscany Experience includes a visit to Lucca–one of the most beautiful and unique cities in Tuscany! Join us for an unforgettable experience where you will live like a local.