Lucca is a small town and a provincial capital in Northern Tuscany. Covering a total area of 185 km², it is home to about 82,960 people.

The city of Lucca was born under the Roman Empire during 180 BC. Originally a Ligurian settlement, it assumed economic and political importance in the fourth century BC and became the capital of the Duchy of Tuscia Longobardo. During the medieval centuries, the city assumed the role of one of the most important production and trade centres in Europe, a role greatly developed by the city’s many bankers.

With such power, Lucca soon became an Independent Republic and remained that way until 1799 when it became part of the Principality of Lucca and Piombino. After the Congress of Vienna, the Duchy of Lucca was incorporated among the possessions of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

A city with a strikingly rich religious heritage, Lucca guards an array of churches built in the tenth century and earlier. These include the Church of Sant’Alessandro, a beautiful Romanesque style building; the Basilica of San Frediano, which, built in the sixth century, is one of the oldest buildings in the territory; and the Church of San Pietro Somaldi , a building dating back to the 8th century and completely restored in the 12th century. Like many Italian cities, Lucca did not stop at just three churches and also has the Duomo di San Martino, built in 1060 and almost as splendid as the Duomo in Florence; the Church of Santi Giovanni e Reparata, once the headquarters of the diocese’s bishops; the Church of San Michele in Foro, built in the 8th century; and finally the Church of Santa Maria Forisportam, also known as the Church of Santa Maria White and whose construction dates back to 1100.

With all that church-building Lucca still managed to find the time to create various pieces of stunning secular architecture, in particular, the Palace of Magione Temple, an ancient seat of the Templar knights; the Palazzo Ducale; the Palazzo Brancoli Pantera, a 17th century building with a large romantic garden; the Ore Tower; the 16th century Palazzo Fontana-Busdraghi; Guinigi Tower; Palazzo Bartolomei, which stands next to the Church of San Pietro; the Pfanner Palazzo, dating back to 1600; and finally the Massoni Palazzo, residence of Lucca’s noblest families during the second half of the seventeenth century.