Lucca is a well-known Tuscan city and commune in northwest Italy. It is the birthplace of several artists and composers including Puccini.  Lucca is situated on the River Serchio, close to the Tyrrhenian Sea, and is famous for its historic city walls.  Founded by the Etruscans, it became a Roman colony around 180BC. Evidence includes the grid pattern typical of Roman streets and the remains of the amphitheatre in the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. The Piazza San Michele was the site of the ancient Roman forum.
Ruled for a time by the Lombards, the Duke minted his own coins in Lucca. By the 11^th century Lucca was the independent capital of Tuscany, paying nominal allegiance to the Roman Emperor. In 1805 Lucca was conquered by Napoleon and his sister was installed as Queen of Etruria. Ten years later it became a Bourbon-Parma Duchy and by 1847 was part of Tuscany and finally became part of the Italian state.
Lucca’s main attraction is the broad city walls that are still fully intact. Visitors can stroll around the town on top of this promenade, which was actually wide enough for cars to race along in the past! The Academy of Sciences dates back to 1584 and is the most famous of several institutions of learning in the town. San Michele in Foro with its arcaded façade is one of many richly decorated basilicas in Lucca. The Ducal Palace and the serene water gardens at the Villa Garzoni are also must-sees.