One of the most historic cities (85 000 pop.) of the tuscany. The Old Town is protected by a powerful, 4.2-km-long wall of bricks, 12 meters high. The environment of the city is beautiful the magnificent villas are often quite helpless in this environment, but the traffic in downtown is rich of historical buildings and pleasant to stroll.

Duomo San Martino
From the 6th until 13th century it was built and finally in the 19th century, it was restored. Inside the three-aisled basilica are some very unusual art treasures. daily. 9.30am to 5.45pm.

Piazza del Mercato
The oval of the Roman amphitheater is completely enclosed by houses with the 56 arches where are situated some of the most elegant shops - with an entrance from the Piazza and one of the back street.

Piazza Napoleone
French flair surrounds the palm Piazza, the sister of Napoleon created it in 1799 by a french architect.

Piazza San Michele
Showpiece of this medieval place at the roman forum is the church of San Michele in the foro (12th century).

shopping
Lucca, you should not leave without a visit of the historic Caffè Di Simo, with its famous liquors(Via Fillungo, 58). On every third weekend of the month an antiques market takes place at the Piazza San Martino.

where to stay
Da Elisa alle Sette Arti
Here you sleep very cheap, but stylish with frescoes in the airy spaces. 6 rooms Via Elisa 25
Piccolo Hotel Puccini
Small and cozy - on the opposite of the facade of San Michele. 14 rooms Via Poggio 9
San Marco
Ultra-modern comfort with air conditioning, garden, garage and wonderful breakfast. 42 rooms Via San Marco 368

food
Antica Locanda dell'Angelo
Near the Piazza Napoleone located, comfortable, elegant restaurant. Mon closed. Via Pescheria 21
Da Leo
Always fully staffed tables and Lucca all specialties can be found in this typical trattoria. Sun closed. Via Tegrimi 1

Plane
Alitalia flys from many airports with stopps in Milano. Cheap carriers like Ryanair flying directly to Pisa.