Tuscany, like a fine wine, has been some time in the making...

From the Etruscans to the Romans to the Renaissance, Tuscany is possibly the greatest repository of art in the world, from extraordinary paintings and sculpture to frescoes and architectural masterpieces.

Visitors to Tuscany come for many reasons. Many come in search of fine art, others to explore the extraordinary countryside. Gourmets and wine buffs descend on Tuscany to enjoy the simple yet wonderful cuisine and wine. Walkers enjoy the mountain paths, cyclists the rolling hills, summer vacationers the sea coast and islands. Students come to learn the beautiful Italian language and culture.

There is a lot to see and do in Tuscany, the difficulty is really where to start. Certainly most should start with Florence, then continue on to Siena and Pisa. The roll call of città di arte, cities of art, is daunting: Arezzo, Cortona, San Gimignano and Lucca are all striking. The more you come to know the region, the more extraordinary Tuscany appears.

City: Lucca (Tuscany): 19 m. above sea level. - 85,000 pop.

Ancient town of Tuscany because of its intact medieval urban layout. The Town features tower-houses and winding lanes, as well as unexpected open spaces with grand Romanesque buildings. Lucca is another city where time seems to have stood still. Take a walk along the 4 km of 16th century ramparts that still surround the old quarter, and take in glorious panoramas of Lucca's famous towered houses, quaint alleyways and ancient churches.

The walls: The Town of Lucca is characterized by the large fortified walls transformed to a shaded walkway. The walls were turned into a public garden. The beauty of the trees on the ramparts, the striking view of the city, the surrounding countryside, and the architectural structure all contribute to make the park a unique work. The entire walk all around the 4 km ramparts takes roughly two hours.
 
 Piazza Napoleone with  the imposing Palazzo Ducale / church of SS. Giovanni e Reparata

The Cathedral  is the most important building of Lucca with its Romanesque marble façade and beautiful portico and by the 13th century bell tower embellished with merlons. Many works of art by the sculptor Nicola Pisano, Tintoretto, and Giambologna. On the altar "Madonna with saints" by Domenico Ghirlandaio. The sacristy preserves the famous masterpiece "Monumento funebre di Ilaria del Carretto", (1408) by Jacopo della Quercia.

The Museum of the Cathedral  preserves church ornaments, works of art, many paintings, sculptures and some illuminated manuscripts.

Palazzo Mansi : Seat of National Art gallery, it exhibits beautiful interiors with frescoes. ). The art gallery hosts many paintings of famous Italian and foreign painters. Works by Beccafumi, Bronzino, Salimbeni, Andrea del Sarto, Veronese, Tintoretto, Salvator Rosa, Domenichino, Guido Reni etc.

Villa Guinigi National Museum : It is hosted in a 15th century villa and exclusively preserves  works produced for the town of Lucca and its territory by local or foreign artists.

Via Guinigi: is one of the most typical and suggestive streets of Lucca, is a fabulous shopping street, with several jewelry stores, boutiques and other nice shops. On the two sides are the fourteenth century brick towers and palazzos. Of note is the big building on the Sant' Andrea street corner with its high tower characterized by holm-oaks on the roof top.

Piazza San Michele: It is right in the town center, offering a great panorama of medieval homes.

San Michele in Foro: The church has high façade richly decorated. Many works of art. Of note in the right nave the glazed 15th century terracotta sculpture, " Madonna and child",  by Andrea della Robbia.

Piazza Anfiteatro or Piazza del Mercato,  is characterized by its round shape and surrounded by medieval brick buildings, creating a setting full of history. Many spectacles, shows and concerts take place in the squar ein summer.

Casa natale di Giacomo Puccini: The birthplace of the famous composer of "La  Boheme" and "Turandot".

Lucca's Antique Market takes place on the 3rd weekend of every month, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am - 7:00pm. - Participate  about 200 exhibitors.