Even from prior to the time of Julius Caesar, for centuries Lucca had been an important city and fortress, having witnessed many wars and survived under different rulers. The elegance of the city has been well preserved with the medieval buildings, churches and towers, as well as the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro.

There's something interesting about the city walls around the old town. They remained intact while the city expanded and modernized. And when all the wars were over, the ramparts no longer had their military significance, they became a pedestrian promenade.

Another thing that all the locals are proud of, is that Lucca is the hometown of Giacomo Puccini (1858–1924), the only true successor to Giuseppe Verdi in Italian operas. Their works dominate the world's stages throughout the years.

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