Lucca was founded by the Romans in the 2nd-century BC, and its historical center has always been surrounded by walls. We will begin our virtual exploration of Lucca by marvelling at the last ring of walls, constructed in the Renaissance and turned into a promenade in the early 1800s on account of being perfectly preserved. And, then we will admire the 19th-century squares of Napoleon and Giglio.
Next, we will head to the very heart of the city, and we will visit the Church of St. Michael and the Cathedral of St. Martin, both of which feature impressive facades with lavishly carved and ornamented columns. The Cathedral also features an entrance decorated in medieval bas reliefs; we will learn about one of them.
We will stop at some shops where local handicrafts are still functioning today and will also find some food shops where local specialities are still made. Together, we will discover the 'Lucchese' way of life and will be able to understand why Lucca is so different from any other Tuscan city.
Walking along the narrow alleys and small piazzas, we will reach the Torre Guinigi, a medieval structure featuring a "green top". And, the Piazza Anfiteatro, a former Roman Coliseum, turned into a highly quaint square with lots of apartments!
Not only history but also legends, anecdotes, traditions and tales make Lucca unique! We won't miss the San Martino Duomo keeping a significant shrine called 'Volto Santo' (Holy Countenance), and we will end our tour in Piazza San Michele, which is the center of the Roman Age City.