ours itineraries at:
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This quaint and evocative city retains
the charm of a small and ancient Italian City State.
Over the centuries it has managed to hold on to its independence
and freedom by adopting a cautious policy. Having miraculously
escaped the devastation of war, today it boasts one of
the most extraordinary Tuscan art heritage. The imposing
tree-lined Renaissance walls which totally enclose it,
the maze of medieval streets flanked by towers and smart
boutiques, the enchanting Romanesque churches and bright
inviting squares captivate the visitor who stands in
awe of such unexpected beauty.
The historical centre, now a pedestrian precinct, plunges
the visitor back in time and provides the perfect setting
to savour the old world charm, where time and space take
on a new dimension, no longer found in today's modern
cities.
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Meeting with the guide and visit
to:
-Piazza S. Michele in Foro, to admire the church bearing
the same name
-Piazza Napoleone, from this square we can admire Palazzo
Ducale and Teatro del Giglio (the theatre)
-Cathedral San Martino, important destination for medieval
pilgrims who came here to worship "Il Volto Santo"(
The holy Countenance of Christ), is still today an important
symbol of the city. Inside the sacristy is the renowned
sarcophagus of Ilaria del Carretto by Jacopo della Quercia.
A definite must (admission fee)
-Characteristic medieval streets, worthy of mention is "via
degli antiquari" where we can see the fine antique
shops and the teeming and smart Via Fillungo
-Piazza Anfiteatro, built on the ruins of the ancient Roman
arena, is still today one of the most picturesque landmarks
of the town
-Guinigi Tower, one of its kind, has a very suggestive
tree lined hanging garden right on the top. A must to see
-Basilica di San Frediano, is one of the most ancient churches
in Lucca, famous for the splendid gilded mosaic on the
façade
-The 16th century Walls, built for defence reasons, are
today a public garden for the enjoyment of all. You can
take a leisurely stroll, ride your bike or even take a
ride on a carriage to better appreciate their beauty. |
Palaces and Museums
It is possible to change or extend the city tour including
a visit to some of the most beautiful "Palazzi" belonging
to the merchants of Lucca
-Palazzo Mansi, one of the most important noble palaces
in Lucca. Elaborately furnished, is the symbol of wealth
achieved by the mercantile families of Lucca. Today it
is a National Museum which houses paintings from the 16th
to the 20th centuries (admission fee)
-Villa Guinigi, an ancient Gothic villa which belonged
to the Guinigi family. Today it is a national museum which
houses in its two halls, paintings and sculptures from
Lucca and its territory from the very origins to the 18th
century
(admission fee)
-Palazzo Pfanner, this is one of the few city palaces which
boasts a Baroque garden of exceptional beauty, probably
designed by Filippo Juvarra. The perspective of the hedges
and allegorical statues recreates the typical stage setting
of the late 17th century. It is also possible to visit
the palace inside (admission fee)
-Palazzo Ducale, this is the government palace of the Republic
of Lucca designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati. In the 16th
century the interior was completely renovated in the Neo-Classical
style and later became the residence of the Princess Elisa
Baciocchi Bonaparte. It is today the "Prefettura" and
the local provincial administration
( free admission only in the boardrooms and by appointment
)
-Villa Buonvisi Bottini
This palace heralded the villas with gardens in Lucca.
It was built in the 16th century on the inside of the Renaissance
city walls representing a status symbol of the powerful
Buonvisi family. Today it is the office of the local city
hall.
( free admission only in the reception rooms and by appointment) |
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Lucca
