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Lucca, Italy
Lucca is one of Italy's most delightful walking cities, and its defining feature is the four-kilometer circuit of Renaissance walls that completely encircle the old town. Unlike most Italian city walls, Lucca's were never breached and are now a tree-lined promenade offering views into the town on one side and the Tuscan countryside on the other. Within the walls, the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro occupies the exact footprint of a Roman amphitheater, creating a perfect elliptical square. The Torre Guinigi, topped with holm oak trees growing from its summit, is one of Italy's most distinctive towers. Lucca has over 100 churches, including the stunning Romanesque San Michele in Foro and the Cathedral of San Martino. The city is flat — rare for Tuscany — making it ideal for walking, and its compact size means you can explore thoroughly in a day.
explore by interest
Walk the complete wall circuit first for an overview of the city, then descend into the streets — the walls make a perfect 4km morning or evening stroll.
April through June and September through October offer ideal Tuscan walking weather, with the Lucca Summer Festival bringing world-class concerts.