| This
city is situated long the left bank of the River Serchio,
in the plain between Appennine slopes of Pizzorne
and Mount Pisano; it owes its dynamism to tradings
and manifactures, but it jealosly preserves its illustrious
past behind the red walls.
Reached a peacefull balance with the near and powerful
Florence, Lucca could quietly be concerned of its
own economic renewal.
One characteristic of this Roman city is the ellipse
of amphitheatre’s arena, drew by medieval houses.
Lucca is also characterized by tall towers, winding
alleys and unexpected wide streets, that flow in front
of big Roman buildings. Thanks to the big development
of art of silk and the notable bank activity this
city succeeds in taking part to the European markets
and spending for four centuries an idipendent, peacefull
and tolerant life.
The ancient and intact walls are one of the most important
military works of the whole Tuscany: they rise for
about 12 metres offering numerous different panoramas
of the city.
The Dome is dedicated to S. Martino, and it’s the
main religious building, originally built in Romanesque
style (11th and 12th century) but internally changed
in 14th and 15th century.
On the inside is the famous sepulchral monument of
Ilaria del Carretto, masterpiece of Jacopo della Quercia;
one of the main creations of Italian sculpture of
‘400.
Giunigi Street is one of the most characteristic and
suggestive streets of the city; of intact medieval
style, on its side one can admire Giunigi’s houses,
a group of towers and palaces of ‘300.
S. Michele Square is the lively and characteristic
centre of city life; inside it there are numerous
important and characteristic palaces and monuments. |
