Lucca with bell tower and Cathedral of San Martino
Photograph by M.C.N., 1995

Lucca, a walled city in Tuscany, is enclosed by massive Renaissance fortifications that now function as a tree-lined promenade. Inside, its mediaeval street layout remains largely intact, with narrow alleys leading to spacious piazzas and numerous Romanesque churches. The Cathedral of San Martino, known for its ornate façade and the revered Volto Santo relic, stands among the city's most significant landmarks. Other significant churches include San Michele in Foro, built on the site of the ancient Roman forum, and San Frediano, featuring a striking Byzantine-style mosaic on its façade. The Guinigi Tower, topped with holm oak trees, and the Torre delle Ore, the tallest clock tower in Lucca, rise above the rooftops. The Piazza dell’Anfiteatro retains the elliptical shape of the Roman amphitheatre that once stood there, its curved buildings following the original footprint of the ancient structure. The city gates, including Porta San Pietro and Porta Santa Maria, reflect its strategic role through the centuries, while an extensive network of underground tunnels runs beneath the fortifications. Grand buildings such as Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Mansi trace its architectural development, and the Serchio River flows just beyond the northern edge.

 

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