Lucca Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Lucca

Lucca is called many things: a city of arts, a city of churches, gardens, towers. Most of all it is known for its walls. From Roman times until now the walls have stood. It is the only city in Italy that has kept its walls intact.

The inner walled city is laid out in the ancient Roman grid plan. The Piazza San Michele is the site of the old forum. Bits of the Roman amphitheater can be found in the Amphitheater Square (Piazza dell'Anfiteatro). In Lucca in 56 BC, Julius Caesar, Pompey and Crassus formed their first Triumvirate. Where they had their tete-a-tete in Lucca is unknown.

Lucca grew to prosperity in the silk trade of the 11th century. During the high middle ages the city was ruled by several dynasties. The last noble ruler was Matilda of Tuscany. After her death, the city became a chartered independent commune in 1160. Lucca remained as an independent republic for 500 years. The walls helped.

In 1805, Napoleon was Emperor, Lucca was declared a monarchy. It was ruled by Napoleon's sister, Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi. Although Elisa and her brother were out of the picture in 1815, Lucca would not see independence again until 1861.

By the 19th century the walls were of little value as defense assets. The State required all city walls to be demolished. Lucca bought their walls from the central government. Today the walls don't repel. They attract. Walk the shaded passeggiata of the walls and take in the view.

Climb the town clock tower and/or the tree-topped Guinigi Tower. Take the hidden passageway leading to the Market Square, aka the Ampitheater Square. Visit Romanesque Lucca Cathedral. See San Michele in Foro, built in the 14th century on the site of the old Roman forum. The Church of San Frediano should not be missed.

Lucca is the hometown of great opera composer Giacomo Puccini. Music fans can look forward to the annual Lucca Summer Festival featuring famous artists of the world. Strolling along the chic Via Fillungo, try the stuffed tordelli, befanini biscotti, and traditional buccellato.

"Who comes to Lucca and doesn't taste the buccellato hasn't really been there."