Lucca
Lucca, the art city of Tuscany
If you are planning a trip to Tuscany, you can't miss the city of Lucca. With its 89,114 inhabitants located in Northern Tuscany, Lucca is an Italian municipality that stands out for its beauty and its historical heritage. The entire metropolitan area, the main center of the Piana di Lucca, is famous for its historical monuments and for the preservation of the historic center, completely surrounded by the Walls of Lucca.
Territory
Lucca is located in the homonymous Piana di Lucca, bordered by the plateaus of Pizzorne and Monte Pisano. The municipal territory reaches a maximum altitude of 950 meters above sea level on the mountain group of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines called Altopiano delle Pizzorne and a minimum of 1 meter above sea level. The city is located at 19 meters above sea level on the left bank of the river Serchio. Despite being located in an area of high seismic risk like Garfagnana, the presence of a huge underground aquifer has made it possible to build numerous fountains throughout the city.
Climate
The climate of the city of Lucca is Mediterranean with a tendency towards continental. The city is characterized by winter lows frequently below zero and a month with a moderately short summer drought. Summer is hot and humid, with days of heat that reached 39°C in 2021 and 41.5°C in August 2017, while winter is cold and rigid, with freezing days. Snowfall is rare, while summer rainfall is mainly due to the thermoconductive activity in the Apennines and the Apuan Alps.
History
Lucca is an Italian art city with Roman origins, but with probable earlier settlements. The city of merchants and weavers maintained its autonomy as an independent state for several centuries, until 1799 when it was supplanted by the Republic of Lucca following the French conquest by the Napoleonic troops. Later, the Principality of Lucca and Piombino and then the Duchy of Lucca were born.
Historical monuments
Lucca is famous for its historical monuments, such as the Cathedral of San Martino, the Basilica of San Frediano, the Tower of the Hours, the Palazzo Pfanner, the Teatro del Giglio, Villa Bottini, Puccini's house, and the Bardini Garden. The city is also known for its famous Walls of Lucca, which completely surround the historic center and are accessible to visitors on foot or by bicycle.
Culture
The city of Lucca has a strong cultural tradition, with numerous festivals and events held throughout the year. One of the most famous is Lucca Comics & Games, an event that involves thousands of comic and theme game enthusiasts. Parallel to this, there are other festivals dedicated to music, literature, and food & wine.
Cuisine
Lucchese cuisine is characterized by simple but tasty dishes, such as farro soup, vegetable pie, pasta with beans, and panzanella. Among the typical products of the city are also panforte and buccellato, two types of sweets made with dried fruit and spices. In addition, the city is known for its fine wines, including the famous Chianti, but also Sangiovese.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lucca is a city of timeless beauty, with an invaluable historical and cultural heritage. Its geographical position makes it a perfect place for holidays, where you can enjoy the beauty of the Tuscan countryside and the sea, but also the cultural life of the city. The historical monuments, cuisine, and festivals make Lucca a must-visit destination that will captivate you from the very first moment.
