To experience a "road less traveled" Italian retreat in Tuscany, take a trip north to Lucca's picturesque town. The little-discussed Lucca is home to charming piazzas, intact renaissance-era walls, and immediate access to a number of the region's most picturesque beaches.
The ancient center of the city lies within a unique wall system made of little red bricks. The walls were built as a defense against the city's enemy, Florence. They took several years to build throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, but they never saw war.
Today, a wide, peaceful road runs along the top of the walls. The road is kept cool by the shade of towering chestnut trees and encourages visitors to walk or cycle around the city. The old town can be seen from the street. It is lush with beautiful architecture, old-fashioned buildings, and spectacular gardens. The view from the top of the city allows a glimpse into the daily lives of those lucky enough to be citizens of Lucca.
Like most of Italy, the culinary world in Lucca upholds the significant and flavorful character of history. The dishes are renowned for using local vegetables and fragrant herbs to make homemade soups like the famous minestrone and zuppa di farro, a thick soup made with borlotti beans. Lucca is also known for foods like tortelli lucchesi with ragout sauce, served on festive occasions. Other typical dishes birthed in Lucca's city are pork roasted on the grill with aromatic herbs, rabbit cacciatore with olives, chicken al mattone, and roasted cod with chickpeas or fresh leeks. While the city is home to many delicacies, its specialty is its olio di oliva delle Colline Lucchesi, known as one of the world's best olive oils.
Lucca has no shortage of breathtaking attractions that draw in visitors from around the country and world. The city is home to Romanesque and gothic-styled architecture. Many of these structures are churches, such as the Duomo, dedicated to San Martino, and the Church of San Michele in Foro, made of white limestone. One of Lucca's most characteristic monuments is the Piazza of the Amphitheater, a roman amphitheater with a maximum capacity of 10,000. Lucca's commercial district's heart is Via Fillungo, a medieval street lined with trees and exclusive shops, cafes, and restaurants.
One of Lucca's oldest towns, Bagni di Lucca, is home to popular attractions, including thermal baths. The baths treat many ailments like arthritis, diseases of the bronchi and lungs, and rheumatologic disorders.
While there are so many reasons to justify a trip to the beautiful Lucca, the historic landmarks and preserved heritage embody Italian culture. Every location in the city is packed with culture and history, with the perfect amount of modernism to fit comfortably into the 21st century. It is easy to get mesmerized by the city's antiquity. It provides several towers, churches, and museums to visit and will spoil visitors with endless views and a surplus of incredible photography opportunities.
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