"Lucca - a Gem of a City" a Lucca Travel Page by alucas

Lucca is a gem of a little Italian city. It has all you could wish to find crammed into the centre, and all surrounded by imposing walls. Narrow medieval streets paved in stone lead into piazzas large and small, and beautiful churches greet you as you wander through the streets. There are some fabulous shops, cosy trattorias, bars and restaurants, and art galleries and museums.

We have had two holidays in Lucca, firstly in 2002 for an extended weekend, and then, because we liked it so much, a whole week in July 2004. Both times we stayed in small hotels outside the city walls, and walked in to the centre each day.

I hope you will enjoy reading this page, and maybe it will tempt you to pay a visit. But not too many of you - I wouldn't want it to be spoilt with lots of tourists !!

There are many things to see in Lucca that do not feature amongst my tips - the Puccini museum for one. It doen't mean that we didn't go there, just that I haven't got a picture to go with the tip. There are still places that we haven't visited - some of the lovely churches - but then that's an excuse for another weekend away !

All comments are welcome and greatly appreciated.