About Lucca - By the Apartment

fade=[on] requireclick=[off] offsety=[-200] offsetx=[50] fadespeed=[0.06] header=[Church of San Michele] body=[The Church of San Michele, Central Lucca - rebuilt in the 1100s using white marble<br><img src='pics/sanMicheleLucca2.jpg'>] cssbody=[tt_body] cssheader=[tt_header] Less than 100 metres from the apartment is the Church of San Michele. This magnficent structure was rebuilt using white marble around the 12th century on top of the site of an old Roman forum.

The top depicts the Archangel Michael in the act of slaying a dragon, with smaller angels standing at either side.

It was at San Michele, in in his youth, that Puccini often sang as a choir boy.

fade=[on] requireclick=[off] offsety=[-200] offsetx=[50] fadespeed=[0.06] header=[Statue of Puccini] body=[Situated in Piazza Citadella adjacent to the apartment<br>Giacomo Puccini was Europe's last great popular opera composer<br><img src='pics/puccini-piazza-citadella.jpg'>] cssbody=[tt_body] cssheader=[tt_header] The Lucchese are proud of their connection with Puccini. His bronze statue sits in Piazza Cittadella, next to the apartment and across from Ristorante Puccini and Santini - a world-class gelateria

Giacomo Puccini, considered by many to be Europe's last great popular opera composer, created well known classics such as Tosca, La Boheme, Madama Butterfly and Turandot.

From the apartment you can enjoy an incredible selection of cafes, restaurants and bars, all within easy walking distance, from an ice-cream or a simple snack, to a gastronomic delight. The olive oil and wine, for which the region is famous, are used in abundance in the local cuisine and it is possible to go on excursions to discover the nearby olive groves and vineyards.

fade=[on] requireclick=[off] offsety=[-200] offsetx=[50] fadespeed=[0.06] header=[Torre Guinigi] body=[Oak Trees unique to Lucca - the 15th Century Guinigi Tower.<br><img src='pics/iStock_000000284074Small.jpg'>] cssbody=[tt_body] cssheader=[tt_header] There's a great deal to experience within the city...

The Guinigi Tower is one of the few remaining towers from the 250 that were originally built within the walls as status symbols by noble families. 'Torre Guinigi' is well known with its seven oak trees upon the top, and the long climb up is well worth the reward for the breathtaking view of the city and the Apuan Alps in the distance.