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Lucca, Tuscany,
Italy

The first thing you will see arriving in Lucca are the
town walls which are very well preserved and still today
surround all the old town. Lucca is one of only three towns in
Italy entirely surrounded by walls.

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Lucca's origins date back to the Ligurian, Etruscan
and Roman times. There are still remarkable traces of
the old walls and the amphitheatre from 200AD. Lucca,
the city of "a hundred churches", has preserved intact
the ancient mystery of its streets, squares, palaces and
towers. Rich in history, the charming old-town centre is
completely enclosed by the imposing, tree-lined, 16th
century town walls.
It is unique in having four sets of preserved walls. The
present walls, built in the 16th century,
were constructed as a defence against Florence but were
never tested in war. Today the appearance of the walls
is very attractive. Parks, gardens and an unforgettable
promenade make the walls absolutely unparalleled. Bikes
can be hired to cycle on the walls the full circle
around Lucca. The town abounds with architectural
treasures including wonderful Romanesque examples.
Within the walls, Lucca is pedestrianised. Shopping is
an elegant Italian experience. Eating can be
sophisticated or casual but always excellent and very
good value.
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Palazzo Pfanner

San Michele Church
Portico Duomo detail

Gelateria in Lucca

Statue of Puccini
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