🌿 Lucca is a charming city in northern Tuscany, Italy, renowned for its intact Renaissance-era walls that encircle the historic center. Often called the “City of 100 Churches”, it’s a treasure trove of Romanesque architecture, cobbled streets, and leafy piazzas.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

Lucca is a city where time slows down—perfect for wandering, savoring, and soaking in centuries of beauty.

🏛️ Lucca has a rich and layered history that stretches back over two millennia, blending myth, Roman legacy, medieval power, and artistic brilliance. Here's a concise journey through its past:

🏺 Ancient Origins

  • Likely founded by the Etruscans, with earlier Ligurian influences.

  • Became a Roman colony in 180 BCE, known as Luca.

  • The city’s layout still reflects its Roman grid, with remnants like the amphitheater and forum visible today.

  • In 56 BCE, Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus met here to reaffirm the First Triumvirate.

🛡️ Medieval Powerhouse

  • After Rome’s fall, Lucca passed through Gothic, Byzantine, and Lombard hands.

  • Became the capital of the Duchy of Tuscia under the Lombards.

  • A major stop on the Via Francigena, attracting pilgrims to the Volto Santo (Holy Face) relic.

  • From the 12th century, Lucca emerged as a self-governing republic, maintaining independence for nearly 500 years.

🏰 Renaissance & Rivalries

  • Flourished through the silk trade, rivaling even Byzantium.

  • Ruled briefly by Castruccio Castracani, a brilliant military leader who defeated Florence in 1325.

  • Despite pressures from Pisa, Florence, and foreign powers, Lucca preserved its autonomy until the late 18th century.

👑 Napoleonic & Modern Era

Lucca’s story is one of resilience, elegance, and quiet strength—its walls not only protected it from invaders but also preserved its soul.