BestPrivateTours.com - Elegant Lucca:Walled City of Refinement

OVERVIEW

The walled town of Lucca retains many of its historic aspects. It’s encircled by Europe’s only nearly undamaged defensive walls, remaining from the Renaissance period. Its streets follow the original town plan from its time as a Roman settlement and its main square is located on the site of the ancient Roman Forum. There are beauties to surprise and delight the eye at every turn in this sparkling jewel of a town.

Enjoy a driving tour from Florence to this lovely, laid-back destination in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with your personal English-speaking driver, at your disposal for the tour’s duration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Lucca was an independent republic to rival that of Venice for over 500 years. Renowned for its silk cloth, Lucca became rich through the silk trade. It was conquered by Napoleon who gave it to his sister Eliza Bonaparte Baciocchi to rule over as “Princess of Piombino and Lucca”.

You can visit the French style square she created, Piazza Napoleone.

Lucca is famous as the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini who wrote operas such as La Bohème and also for its protective walls. Demilitarized in the early 19th century, a wide promenade was created atop the walls. Each of the 4 sides is planted with a different species of tree. Today, it’s a favorite place to walk, cycle or simply sit.