Born as a Ligurian settlement according to some storicians - while others think it is of Etruscan origins - Lucca developed as a Roman city from 180 b.C., and during the 12th century as a commune before and as a Republic then. In the 14th century Lucca was one of the most important cities of the Italian Middle Ages. After becoming a Republic (1370-1799) the city became famous all over Europe thanks to its bankers and silk trade. The city later became a Duchy and was initially part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and of the Reign of Sardinia then.
Lucca is considered today one of the major Italian art cities. Its urban structure has remained the original roman-medieval one. It is famous especially for its Renaissance walls, still today intact cause they have never been used in the past for defensive purposes. For the same reason the historical center has also remained more or less the original one, keeping the many precious pieces of architecture intact. For the presence of this historical and monumental wealth has been recently advanced the proposal to include the historical center of Lucca in the list of UNESCO's World Heritage Site.
Lucca is nowadays an active city that hosts many cultural and traditional events. The main events organized in Lucca and surroundings are: Lucca Comics & Games (the most important exhibition of comics and role playing in Italy), Lucca Summer Festival (music festival which sees the participation of big names of the Italian and international music scene), Festival Pucciniano (a festival held in Torre del Lago that presents the works of Giacomo Puccini), Carnevale di Viareggio (one of the most famous carnivals in Italy, with parades of allegorical floats and masks).
There are four geograpichal areas that form the province of Lucca. While the main city rises on the lowlands, in the province you will find sea, valleys and alps.
VERSILIA
Versilia is an area of the province of Lucca situated in the north-west of Tuscany. The "Historical Versilia" consists of four municipalities: Pietrasanta, Forte dei Marmi, Seravezza and Stazzema - these two making the so-called "High Versilia". In the latest years with the term Versilia we tend to consider the coastline which starts from Torre del Lago in the southhern part and arrives in Marina di Massa, passing through the towns of Viareggio, Lido di Camaiore, Marina di Pietrasanta, Forte dei Marmi and Cinquale di Montignoso - in the province of Massa Carrara. The most important town is Viareggio, but Forte dei Marmi and Pietrasanta are also famous.
Famous bathing area, the beaches of Versilia have always been renowned throughout Europe, offering wide golden sand beaches, areas for relaxing walks along the coast and a lively nightlife. In fact, you can find many night clubs there and historical discos that overlook the sea. Two of the most famous clubs that have even been set of Italian cult movies are "La Capannina di Franceschi" and "Bussola Versilia".
For all these reason Versilia's Coastline is considered one of the best seaside resorts in Italy.
GARFAGNANA (Alta Valle del Serchio)
Garfagnana - which is the upper valley of the river Serchio - is an area in the province of Lucca situated between the Apuan Alps and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and crossed by the river Serchio. Rich of forests, the area is entirely covered by a green and lushed vegetation.
Garfagnana offers a wide variety of beautiful landscapes, reason why it is the ideal place to visit. One can find history and traditions there or relax while visiting natural parks, lakes and natural caves. It is also an ideal place for sports and outdoor activities (like hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking) and offers many leisure in touch with nature, as well as the opportunity to visit typical places of rare beauty mixed with history and culture.
Typical products of the Garfagnana are chestnuts, pearl barley and mushrooms.
MEDIA VALLE DEL SERCHIO
This is an area of the province of Lucca constituted by the two valleys of the river Serchio and situated between the Apuan Alps and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. Full of natural treasures, it is the ideal place for those who want to experience the direct contact with nature and discover the art of little historical centers. This is an area rich of castles, fortifications, bridges and towers that testify its ancient origins.
Very important for this area is the famous termal station Bagni di Lucca that was celebrated since Middle Ages for the therapeutic properties of its waters and frequented by many famous historical figures.