Lucca – A Hidden Jewel in the Tuscan Landscape

One of the most picturesque Tuscan towns, enclosed by a ring of Renaissance walls and beautiful gardens, Lucca is just 17 kilometres inland from Pisa. Although quiet during the cooler months, Lucca becomes animated during the summer months, with many people travelling from Florence and Siena to visit its narrow streets and tidy squares, however one of the many charms of this quintessential Italian city is that it has not been spoilt by mass tourism.

A walk or bicycle-ride along the wall offers some great vantage points to enjoy the surroundings and admire the town. There are many artisans still making goods using traditional methods. Then of course there are several good restaurants and lots of shops stocking local agricultural produce and excellent local wine ……… all which require careful tasting!  



Due to the rich productive land around it, Lucca has been a prosperous town since Roman times and was at its height from the eleventh to the fourteenth centuries, when it provided silk to merchants and wealthy aristocrats. Lucca lost her independence to Pisa in 1314 but after some years managed to regain it and hold on to it until it fell to Napoleon and then the Bourbons several hundred years later. 

One of Italy’s most famous musicians – Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca in 1858 and in his memory, every evening from March to October there are little concerts in the Cathedral San Martino.  

   

Today the population of Lucca is approximately 90,000 so it is big enough to satisfy cultural and shopping needs, but small enough to retain the authentic spirit of town life in Italy.                                                                                                                   

It is also home to the excellent Lucca Italian School where one can undertake a language course and also participate in other activities such as cooking, painting and cultural visits to surrounding points of interest. They see Lucca as the classroom and so the students can learn first- hand in a variety of situations. With small groups of a maximum of 8 people and flexible hours, it is possible to find a tailor- made language learning experience. Of course if you prefer individual lessons or family classes, they are available too (see below).

LUCCA ITALIAN SCHOOL, Via S.Anna 14, 55100 Lucca

• learner-oriented method                                  
• innovative school
• “tailor-made” lessons
• school for families
• courses/lessons at your place (house, hotel)
• a wide range of cultural activities
• flexible hours