Ponte della Maddalena - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The basilica of San Frediano is one of the oldest Catholic places of worship in Lucca, in Romanesque style, and is located in the square of the same name. The procession to the Holy Crosswinds from this basilica on the evening of 13 September. In November 1957 Pope Pius XII elevated it to the dignity of a minor basilica. A religious building dedicated to the three Levite saints Vincenzo, Stefano, and Lorenzo existed in this place since the 6th century.

This beautiful amphitheatre, built as the centre of entertainment outside the Roman town, is today the centre of town life and the very symbol of Lucca. It is a unique elliptical-shaped plaza, theatre of the life of the citizens of Lucca, closed in an embrace of medieval houses and, in spite of the passing of the millennia, is always alive and witness to innumerable changes.

Palazzo Controni-Pfanner is located on the edge of the Walls of Lucca, with access from Via Degli Asili 33. The courtyard of Palazzo Pfanner seems to be tailor-made for hosting events. The residence of Palazzo Pfanner, the only part of the building currently open to visitors, contains a large central hall frescoed in the 1920s by the quadraturist Pietro Paolo Scorsini, from which side rooms embellished with period furniture, fine furnishings, and objects branch off.

The Torre Guinigi is a tower in Lucca, Tuscany, central Italy. It is a typical example of local Romanesque-Gothic architecture. The height of the tower is 45 meters with a total of 232 steps to reach the top. This tower was built in the 1300s by the Guinigi family. They planted Holm oaks on its summit to represent rebirth and renewal. It was built in or around 1384 by wealthy silk merchants, and, although no one knows exactly how old the rooftop garden is.

The Chiesa di San Michele in Foro is one of the most beautiful and enchanting historical structures of the city of Lucca. It is a Roman Catholic Church that was built over the remains of the ancient Roman forum. Until 1370, the church was the seat of the Consiglio Maggiore, which was considered as the most important assembly of the commune’s. The most significant feature of this church is that it was originally designed to be dedicated to the Archangel Michael.

St Martin Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours in Lucca, Italy. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Lucca. Construction was begun in 1063 by Bishop Anselm. It was built in a strategic point of the ancient Roman town at the crossroads of the two main streets and near to the city walls, has not left clear indications as to its origins. The Pisan Romanesque-style façade in green and white marble is a masterpiece of balance.