Villas and house for rent in Lucca. Come and enjoy the comfort of a luxury holiday

A bit of Lucca history

Lucca became a Roman colony in the year 180 BC and we can still see today evidence of the grid pattern of its streets and the elliptical shape of the Anfiteatro square once an authentic Roman amphitheatre.

The main square called San Michele in Foro indicates that it stands in the Roman forum, the governing square and market place. The magnificent Pisan-Romanesque style church is one of the many 12th century churches seen in the city, named the city of a hundred churches. Many important ancient churches in fact, go unnoticed as the choice is so immense.

Don't miss the site of Giacomo Puccini's birthplace, composer of this cities favourite composer.
The Palazzo Ducale, once housed Lucca's rulers including Napoleons sister, now seats local government offices, military police and guards.

In front in the lovely square called Piazza Napoleone, it now hosts the intimate but important summer festival in the summer www.summer-festival.com

San Martino Cathedral is an impressive 11th century church with asymmetrical façade housing Lucca's
Volto Santo crucifix said to be responsible for numerous miracles and reason why millions of pilgrims made the long journey down from Northern Europe to Lucca.

The Medieval Torre Guinigi is another of Lucca's symbols. Take a walk up the tower to see the holm oaks growing at the top and for a bird's eye view of the city.

The Renaissance walls are of course The most important monument of the city which isn't just full of monuments but is itself a monument.

A native of the city once confided to me that as a young boy he was surprised to find, on his first trip out of Lucca, that other cities weren't too enclosed within protective walls.