Lucca, located in Tuscany, is the capital municipality of the province of the same name, with nearly 400,000 inhabitants, divided into 33 municipalities over 3 macro-areas: Lucca and its plain, Versilia, Serchio Valley and Upper Garfagnana.
Lucca is special, for its places and landscapes, its history, art and, its surroundings, the opportunities and events it offers, the possibilities for leisure and sports, for excellent food and wine.
Once this jewel was known only to the people of Lucca, then slowly it was discovered by many, both Italian and foreign, and as of today Lucca is in the world’s top 10 recommended cities for a visit, trip, stay.
Lucca offers quality tourism without yet suffering from the large numbers and crowding that makes other famous cities unlivable. That is why many even foreigners buy houses in Lucca or want to move there.
Founded by the Romans, 2000 years ago (see the Amphitheater) , it evolved through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, remaining an independent republic until 1799.
Strong in trade and its banks, it was an important center of silk production, sold by the merchants of Lucca. throughout Europe
Lucca its 3 city walls is the world capital of walled cities.
To this day, trade along with tourism play an important role in Lucca, but today Lucca has a strong economy based on both manufacturing and service industries.
Lucca is the world capital for paper and its machinery: there are major paper mills and the world’s leading manufacturers of equipment and automation for paper production and converting
Lucca is one of the largest production hubs for Luxury Yachts: there are world-famous boatyards in nearby Viareggio that build Luxury Motor (and Sailing) Yachts from 30 to 150 meters.
Lucca also has major companies in the Information Technology sector.
Every year in the fall, Lucca Comics & Games, the world’s 2nd largest festival, is held in Lucca, with over half a million people and cosplayers arriving.
Lucca in summer offers 2 months of music with the Lucca Summer Festival with concerts by major international artists.
Lucca has an important music conservatory, but above all the city is Giacomo Puccini’s, whose operas are performed all over the world, as well as at the local Teatro del Giglio and Gran Teatro all’Aperto G. Puccini.
Lucca is the city of 100 churches (within its walls) because of the abundance of beautiful religious buildings, such as the Cathedral of San Martino (where the Holy Face is located) and the Church of San Michele in Foro, but it is also a place where solidarity and social work play an important role . Lucca is the Italian capital of voluntary associations (3rd sector).
Lucca’s packed September revolves around the Feast of the Holy Cross (14) and the procession (13) through the city streets; many Lucchese living abroad return to visit for the occasion.
Lucca is therefore a city of many facets, worth discovering at leisure, not as a hit-and-run tourist, but with the eyes and lifestyle of a Lucchese.
