Lucca

Lucca is a Tuscan city encircled by remarkably well-preserved Renaissance walls, now converted into a tree-lined promenade ideal for walking or cycling above the historic centre. Within these walls, the medieval street layout remains largely intact, with narrow lanes leading to Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, an oval square built over the remains of a Roman amphitheatre. The San Martino Cathedral and the church of San Michele in Foro are among the city's most notable religious buildings, while the Guinigi Tower, distinctive for the trees growing at its summit, offers views over the rooftops and surrounding hills. Lucca is also the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini, whose childhood home is now open to the public as a museum. The surrounding countryside, typical of Tuscany, produces olive oil and wine, and makes for pleasant day trips into the rural landscape. The city lies within easy reach of Pisa and Florence, making it a convenient base for exploring the wider region while offering a quieter atmosphere than Tuscany's larger cities.