Lucca

Situated among the beautiful hills and set against a landscape spotted with gorgeous villas, is the medieval walled city of Lucca. It is comfortably located between the better-known and more frequently travelled cities of Florence and Pisa.

Lovely Lucca is a relatively unknown Tuscan gem with a wealthy past and proud rich present.

Not yet overrun by tourists, Lucca has retained a mellow atmosphere, free of the hassle of long lines and hordes of travellers. On the contrary, Lucca makes for easy traveling. A city kind to weary tourists, one of the nicest things about Lucca is its people, the Lucchesi. They seem to appreciate just how special their little city is, and treat it well.

Lucca was once very prosperous due to its dealings in the silk trade in the 12th century and was, for the most part, always a fiercely independent city. In 1805, the city was conquered by Napoleon, who put his sister, Elisa, in power until 1847, when Lucca was absorbed into the Kingdom of Italy.

Perhaps the sense of tranquil well-being one senses in Lucca can be explained by the lengthy periods of peace that Lucca has enjoyed throughout history; a peace defended by the wonderfully intact 16th-century defensive walls that still embrace the city. Henry James recounted his travels through Tuscany in "Italian Hours", referring to the walls as: "a circular lounging place of a splendid dignity".

Lucca has some of the best examples of Gothic and Romanesque architecture that Tuscany has to offer, the cathedrals of San Michele and San Martino for example. It is famous for Puccini and buccelato (a local of raisin bread specialty). Most remarkable perhaps, is the pervasive feeling that Lucca is so lovingly cared for by the proud Lucchesi.

This makes Lucca a really special place to visit.