This spot is a must-see when in Lucca. It's actually an old roman amphitheatre and held up to…read more10'000 spectators back in its time. After the Roman downfall it wasn't used as such anymore and was falling apart partly. In the end being used just for salt storage. Luckily in the 19th Century it was being rebuilt to what it is today. The shape is still visible as are some parts of the old Amphitheatre. Now it's a lively spacious square with lots of restaurants and cafés and shops. Since 2006 together with the old town of Lucca part of the UNESCO world heritage. It's fun to have a walk around the Anfiteatro, sitting down and having a drink, watching the world go by. A beautiful spot.

Very pretty piazza surrounded by shops and cafes. There is even a vintage shop in the square (very…read moreoverpriced!) and places to buy traditional ceramics. Just take a rest at one of the many cafes and enjoy a glass of wine while you people watch-that's what i do!

**My visit took place in January of 2020**…read more An incredible place to visit. This is one of the few cities on earth still surrounded by a medieval wall. The top of the ramparts are filled with vegetation now where people enjoy taking a stroll. This place is a must to go visit. Only a 2 hours train ride through beautiful Tuscany from Rome and it is worth every minute. Best of all... it is FREE to walk around here and visit the city inside the walls. Such a peaceful yet lively place, it definitely takes you back through time as you walk around on top of these walls. The walls loop around the town of Lucca which makes for a very pleasant walk. Also it is a great place to take pictures fly your drone and capture the wall from above. I wish o would have had one back then. Either way I am sure you will enjoy this place of the planet. Highly recommended it. Follow me and my adventures @Sin_Aguayo_Canelito fb: Sin Aguayo

Traveled all over northern Italy and this was the best kept secret. We decided to stop to just…read morecheck out the area. We ended up in the heart of Lucca. It's more of a locals place than a tourist location. Great food and great shops in the area. We truly fell in love with the city.

Visiting this bridge was part of a longer drive we took through the Apuan Alps in Tuscany. When…read moreyou come upon it is quite eye-catching, even astonishing because of it's interesting slope, graceful curves and beautiful construction. This "Bridge of Maddalena"...named after Mary Magdalene of Biblical fame, is also known as Ponte del Diavolo or "The Devil's Bridge". It crosses the Serchio River near the town of Borgo a Mozzano in the province of Lucca. The bridge was built in the 12th century and it may have been commissioned by the Countess Matilda of Tuscany although this is uncertain. Historically, the bridge became an important method of crossing the river on the Via Francigena which was an early medieval road to Rome for people coming from France usually as a pilgrimage route. We thought the bridge was stunning to behold and found what history there is of it to be fascinating. As a popular legend of the bridge goes there were problems with its construction. It is said that the master builder (il capomastro) was frustrated by innumerable (12th century type) construction delays and therefore he made a pact with the devil. As the story goes, the devil told the capomastro that he would build the bridge for him over night but in return the devil wanted the soul of the first person to cross the bridge. The builder agreed to these terms but on the eve of the bridge's opening, he was filled with guilt and went to see his priest. The priest thought of a way to thwart the devil and so a dog was sent to cross the bridge early on "opening day". The devil was so angry at being tricked it is said that he threw himself and this poor dog into the Serchio river. People today say that at night you can on occasion still hear the howling of the poor dog. Whatever you want to call this bridge...Maddalena or Diavolo, it is well worth the drive to see it. Along the way you will see mountains and lush, verdant countryside so it is a drive very much worth taking. The entire area feels ancient and magical as does so much of Italy to me especially when you allow yourself to get off the beaten track.