LUCCA

Lucca dates back to Etruscan times, in 180 b.C. it was first a Roman colony and then a Roman municipality. With the fall of the Roman Empire itself, it was considered already the capital of Tuscany by the Goth and afterwards proclaimed so by the Longobards. In 533 b.C. Lucca withstood a long siege by the Byzantines. In the times of the Carolingi the capital was transferred from Lucca to Florence. After the first crusade, in which the people of Lucca had partecipated, the Commune of Lucca was set up and the city's prestige increased.

In 1304 it came under the domain of Uguccione della Faggiola, and, in 1316, Castruccio Castracani degli Antelminelli, who was proclaimed General, extended the dominion of Lucca. After his death Lucca was subjet to various dominations, the one by Pisa being the longest. In 1369, after having gained its liberty with the help of Charles IV, Lucca flourished in art, commerce and agriculture. It was almost always a republic governed by the aristocracy. It was the principality of the Baciocchi up to 1817, when it became the dukedom of the Bourbons. In 1847 Lucca was rejoined once again with Tuscany and followed its destiny

Art

Duomo - San Martino (see picture): The Cathedral, was founded in 1060 under the dispensation of Bishop Anselmo da Baggio. In the 12th century the reconstruction of the temple was commenced by Guidetto da Como. In the interior can be admired one of the most representative works by Jacopo della Quercia - "The Sarcophagus" - of Ilaria del Carrretto, the young wife of Paolo Guinigi, who died in 1405. San Frediano:The Basilica which was reconstructed during the years 1112-1147, is the original structure and has three big doors in the typical Pisan style. It is beautified by a large mosaic in the italo-byzantine style representing "The Ascension" by Berlinghiero Berlinghieri. The decoration of the façade and the apse, as well as the majestic bell tower are works characteristic of the 13th century.

San Michele: Built in the 12th century it is a typical example of the architectural style of Pisa and Lucca. A Statue of St. Michael, between two angels, in the act of killing a dragon, dominates the church. The church was named St. Michael in Forum because the square in which it is built was the old Roman Forum. Palazzo Guinigi: Palazzo Guinigi is a 14th century palace, built of stone and briks, and characterized by its towers, one out short and the other without battlements. On it big ever-green oaks thrive. Palazzo Pretorio:This building is the ancient seat of the Mayor and of his tribunal. It was commenced in 1492 to the design of Matteo Civitali and enlarged to the plans of Vincenzo in 1588. Palazzo Mansi and Picture Gallery: Palazzo Mansi is dedicated to San Pellegrino as also is the church in front of it. Built in the 17th century it contains a collection of valuable pictures and fine furniture. Famous is the "Bridal Room" in 17th century style. The alcove is separated by an arch upheld by two caryatids with delicate baroque carvings in glided wood: the bed has a canopy. Seat of the National Gallery, which was erected by Maria Luisa in 1819 and enriched by Leopoldo II. It contains tables and pictures of grat value. Museum: The Museum is in the country residence of Paolo Guinigi and is a massive building, erected in 1408. Since 1924 it has been converted to a Museum and is rich in notable works of art.

City Walls (see picture) : The walls, shaded by trees, are a unique feature of the city and afford a pleasant walk of four kilometers. It is possible to visit a few restored bastions of special interest.