Lucca

Lucchesia - Where it is located and what it encompasses
Lucchesia is a historical area of Tuscany. It has no political, economic or geographical significance, but reflects an area united by history, culture and dialect.
The area corresponding to Lucchesia is slightly larger than the Plain of Lucca, in fact it also includes the surrounding hills and mountains. Specifically, Lucchesia completely comprises the municipalities of Lucca, Capannori, Porcari and Villa Basilica and only partially those of Pescaglia, Massarosa, Camaiore, Altopascio and Pescia.
The history of this area dates back to the 7th century B.C., where the first settlements on the river were seen by the Etruscans, in the mountainous area, followed by settlements by the Liguri Apuani, peoples who settled here given the favourable environmental conditions. The area is shaped by the passage of the Serchio river (called Auser in the past) that made the land fertile and thus made settlement attractive.
What remains today of these past times is history, but more concretely we are talking about actual artefacts from all the populations that inhabited the area, with a particular concentration of artefacts from the medieval period.
The beauty of this area derives from its geographical and cultural heritage, and it is possible to find wonderful flat expanses dotted with ancient villas and historical artefacts to explore, learn about and visit.
What to see in the Lucchesia area
There are many historical and natural attractions in this area, here are some of them:
- The river park
A marvellous pedestrian and bicycle route takes you from the Monte S. Quirico bridge to the S. Pietro bridge, passing on the banks dating back to the 19th century.
Along this route you can appreciate the local flora and enjoy a picnic on one of the small beaches you may come across. If you happen to be in the area during fine weather, it is also possible to go for a swim.

- The historic aqueduct
The town gives way to meadows and an impressive historical aqueduct that still brings water from the mountains to the town.
Thanks to this aqueduct, dozens of fountains remain active within the walls and provide delicious low-mineral water.

- The hills of Lucca
Wonderful gardens await you on a walk through these hills. There are many luxurious villas built during five centuries from the 13th century onwards.
This visit will make you return home with a feeling of relaxation (and a little envy).

These are just a few of the wonders that can be found outside the city, obviously without mentioning all the villages that surely harbour an immense wine and food heritage.
Impossible to understand what I am talking about without visiting this area.
...And what is there in Lucca?
Lucca is also part of this area and it is only right to talk about what we find to do inside the walls.
Inside the walls we find a real city that pulsates and thrives on tourism and culture. Art, music and entertainment spread through the streets of the city, leaving all those lucky enough to visit enraptured.
The best thing to do to enjoy the city is to walk until you get lost, only then can you truly experience the glimpses of Lucca that only those who know can enjoy.

Needless to say, the walls themselves that contain the city are a sight that is not common to any other Italian city.

Finally, let us see what the highlights are that must be seen in Lucca:
- Amphitheatre square
A square dating back to the first half of the 19th century, it is said to be one of the most beautiful in Italy, and it is hard to believe.
- The Duomo
Impossible not to pay a visit to the Duomo, this imposing structure will leave you speechless.
- The two remaining towers
In Lucca, there were once 250 towers in the city, now there are two left, the Clock Tower and the Giunigi Tower, a sight not to be missed.