Poetry, Love and Legend - A Travel Guide to Lucca

In 1903, Gabriele D'Annunzio, the famous Italian poet and novelist, wrote about his fascination with Lucca's beauty in a poem from his famous work 'Elettra'. He described its unique landscape of olive gray tones, its hills and its circular orchard, clear references to the city's ancient walls which still give Lucca its unique character.
I find myself, like Annunzio, moved by the charm of these walls that embrace the steps of the passersby, especially on hot summer nights, revealing the secrets of Lucca's breathtaking landscape.

Top Ten Things to See and Do
The Duomo of S. Martino
The Piazza Anfiteatro
Palazzo Pfanner and Gardens
Tower of Guinigi
The Italian Museum of Comic Books
The Cathedral and Church of San Giovanni
The Antique Mint and Museum
The Palio della Balestra
The Feast of the Holy Cross
A night walk along the walls

Events in Lucca
July - Palio della Balestra
A mediaeval crossbow tournament that is re-enacted annually between local contestants held on the 12th July.
September - The Feast of the Holy Cross
One of the most visual spectacles of Lucca's calendar, this important religious event best known for its candlelit evening procession. The festival originated from the ancient worship of 'Volto Santo' (Saint's face) a large wooden cross kept in the Duomo of Saint Martino.
October - Lucca Comic Fair
Starting at the end of October and continuing to the beginning of November, Lucca holds its comic fair which attracts visitors from all over Italy. Started in 1966, the fair brings collectors, exhibitors, and fans of role play, table games and cards, and also those with a keen interest in science fiction and fantasy.

Local Food and Drink
Buccellato
A delicious dessert made from a simple sweet bread flavoured with sultanas and the scent of aniseed.
Pasimata
An Easter speciality dessert, made from sweet aniseed bread cut into squares.
Torta co'becchi
A sweet tart made filled with chocolate or cream. It is recognisable by its particular shape, as the dough is moulded into small cones said to resemble bird's beaks.
Liqueurs of Lucca
Lucca's historic buildings, town parks, and precious monuments are at risk of being overshadowed by the important gastronomic specialities of the region, the liqueurs. In fact there are two famous drinks that not many realise are made in Lucca: Biadina and China Massagli. Biadina has a dark amber colour and a tang of herbs, and China Massagli with its added tastes of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

Spotlight on the Legend of Lucida Mansi
A mysterious affair linked to the town of Lucca that has fascinated people for centuries both from Lucca and beyond, is the Legend of Lucida Mansi. A noblewoman from Lucca in the 17th Century noted for her beauty, her debauchery and her cruelty, Lucida was a lover of luxury and her penchant for young lovers led to her arranging the murder of her husband so she could be free to indulge her passions.
One day, realising that her looks were fading due to her advancing years, she made a deal with the devil that she would enjoy 30 years more of youthful beauty in exchange for her soul. In spite of her attempts to stop the clock at the Tower of Ore, at the appointed time the Devil came to collect his dues. He dragged her down to the gates of hell by pulling her into the lake after which she never resurfaced. Today it is said that you can still see her face beneath the lake's water, and some claim that on the night of a full moon, you can even hear her screams....

How to get there
By car: Follow the A11 Firenze Mare until you reach the Lucca exit.
By air: The nearest airports are Pisa (G. Galilei) and Firenze (Peretola). Pisa is well served by low cost airlines including Easyjet and Ryanair.
Train: Lucca's main station is connected to Florence S. Maria Novella and Pisa (both the central and the airport station). There are also connections from Pistoia, Prato and Viareggio.