The city of Lucca is a small treasure to discover, with its Medieval and Renaissance style streets and its imposing city walls that are almost intact and circle the city. In the past it was known as the city of 100 churches and bell towers (although there aren’t that many left now), and it is filled with hidden beauties to explore at every turn. I will meet you in an easy to find location to take you on a wonderful private tour to get to know the city in depth and to appreciate its history, art, traditions and culture. During your three hour walking tour with me, I will reveal fascinating legends and traditions that you cannot find in tour books, and will introduce you to the best gourmet shops and typical foods from the local area.
We can start at the Basilica of San Frediano, with its bright 13th Century façade and then arrive to the famous Piazza Anfiteatro. Now following Via Fillungo, the most fashionable and well-known street, we will walk past ancient botteghe (shops) and elegant palaces until we arrive to Piazza San Martino with the Duomo. This cathedral is a shrine of one of the most important symbols of the city - the Holy Cross of the Volto Santo (one of the most ancient crucifixions that exist). We will continue to Piazza Napoleone, redesigned during the Napoleonic dominion. Our last square will be the former Roman forum, today known as Piazza San Michele, finishing our tour with the lovely house of opera composer Giacomo Puccini.