The beautiful Tuscan city of Lucca was founded by ancient Romans in the 3rd century BCE. In fact, the city still preserves much of that Roman identity with a rectangular grid plan in the city center, the outline of the ancient amphitheater in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, and the church of San Michele in Foro that occupies the site of the former ancient Roman forum. Lucca is also known for its beautiful Romanesque churches such as its cathedral and the Basilica of San Frediano, and its almost perfectly preserved Renaissance city walls. Lucca was also the birthplace of the celebrated Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, whose former house has been transformed into a museum. And don’t forget to try the many Lucchesi culinary specialties such as the Tordelli Lucchesi (meat-filled ravioli) and Minestra di Farro (spelt soup). Buona visita!