Lucca and this part of Tuscany are extremely particular and have a completely different appearance to the classic Tuscan landscape. Majestic mountains of marble hover over the valley bottom along the river Serchio, where roads wind their way and unexpectedly open out into sunny areas with small ancient villages that are settled on green hills and reflect on lakes with magical images. Art and culture are of considerable importance in the territory near Lucca. The capital of the province is actually a unique example that has perfectly preserved its city walls and has maintained its characteristics since Roman times.

Internationally known as the olive oil capital of the world, Lucca stands out as one of the most beautiful Italian cities. Just inside the city, the Duomo San Martino is home to a wooden crucifix that was allegedly carved by Nicodemus and placed on a barge to float off to sea. Lucca is a very well preserved city with historic charm. Walking around the city enhances the experience and almost appears idyllic.

We are starting at a site that was sacred to the early Romans. This town grew up over the Roman town called Luca, following its general plan. About 500 BC, the Etruscans inhabited the area called Tusci by the Romans, and later became the region’s name of Tuscany. There is evidence of human habitation in this area for many thousands of years.

Lucca is a half-day tour through one of the most beautiful medieval towns in the world. Preserved within its surrounding city walls, Lucca, is the perfect walking city. Begin at the ancient cathedral and see the layout of the old Roman city plan. See sites from the time when Caesar, Pompeii, and Crassus met to form the first triumvirate. Experience the old Roman forum in Lucca and the Roman amphitheatre.

The San Martino Cathedral
Piazza San Martino, which is the piazza in front of the cathedral or Duomo as referred to by the Italians. Piazza San Martino is the site of a lively antiques market on the third weekend of the month, and an arts and crafts festival on the last weekend of the month.

We are now facing Lucca’s original cathedral of San Giovanni e Santa Reparata. The church covers the site of a 5th century basilica named for Saint Reparta. The devout young Reparta was an early Christian, probably from the third century, and believed to have been martyred. Her memory is honored in this oldest church in Lucca. The present Romanesque building dates from the early eleven hundreds. The interior is spare gray stone with Roman columns. The elaborately coffered ceiling was added in the 17th century. You may already know that Romanesque is the oldest of the building styles from the Middle Ages. You may enter the church without an admission charge. But if you want to see the Baptistery or the archaeological digs, both located in the rear, there is a small charge. The Baptistery is interesting because it dates from the thirteen hundreds and because of its dome or cupola, which was studied by Bruneleschi, the architect of the famous dome in Florence. It is quite beautiful in its simplicity and elegant design.

The archaeological ruins in the excavations show ruins of Roman structures and baths from as early as the second century BC. There are five levels that have been unearthed. The excavations also found remains of the first church here dating from the 4th century and used as the cathedral until the seven hundreds.

Lucca, is generally accepted as the first town in Tuscany to convert to Christianity and its first bishop was Paulinus, a disciple of St. Peter.

When you go into the church, notice the exhibit beside the ticket window, which explains the church. If you choose to buy tickets to see the Baptistery and the archaeological ruins, do so at the inside ticket office. If there is a ticket that includes the sacristy in the Duomo, buy that, because you will want to enter.

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