This is the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, composer of the operas La Boheme and Turandot, among others. Walking through this house is quite interesting with its collection of old letters and manuscripts, and the piano that Puccini used to compose, Turandot. Throughout the house, you can get a real sense of the Puccini family and gain some insight into the life of the great composer.

This cathedral, Lucca's Duomo, has a 13th century facade decorated with sculpted pilasters of a variety of shapes and some very fine bas-reliefs, San Martino is some of the greatest architecture that Lucca has to offer. Among the sights inside the dark cathedral, is the much valued Volto Santo (Holy Image), a crucifix that is believed to be an actual portrait of Jesus Christ which is contained by the Tempietto, a sculptured marble tabernacle by the great artist, Matteo Civitali. Also here is the remarkable Tomb of Illaria del Carretto, a sculpture of the tomb of a young bride by Jacopo della Quercia. This work is truly calming and the devotion of the artist is evident in the face of the young bride. It is necessary to buy separate tickets to see the Tomb of Ilaria del Carretto.

This white church, dating back to the 12th century is completely different from all of the other churches in Lucca because its facade is higher than its roof. The Romanesque Lucchese style facade is spectacular and it is wonderful to stand and stare at its columns and windows. Inside contains the glazed 15th century terracotta sculpture, Madonna and Child, by Luca della Robbia.

This church, built in the 12th century, has a facade that features a marvelous and colorful 13th century mosaic. Another of Luca della Robbia's works can be seen here, the Annunciation.

This perfectly circular arena, which now contains only traces of an amphitheatre, was once the site of a happening spot for outdoor theatre in Roman days.

At one time most of the rich and important families of Lucca built towers next to their palaces. This tower of the Guinigi family is one of the remaining ones; it has trees sprouting from it and is a wonderful place from which to catch an eyeful of Lucca.

This villa, built in 1418, houses Lucca's principle art gallery, a collection of interesting works. It contains a picture that shows how rich Lucca was in late medieval times, full of palaces, towers, and gardens.

Most of the artworks and rich furnishings of these palace rooms are dated back to the 17th century. It also contains, perhaps even more interesting than the paintings, some lively 17th century frescoes.