Lucca
Latin colony in 180 BC, Lucca still contains intact many of the characteristics typical of ancient times. The amphitheater, which still retains its distinctive elliptical shape of the square closed, the hole is located in Piazza San Michele, dominated after church Romanesque evoking strong calls to the classical world in many architectural components. But the track is more evident in the Roman streets of Old Town, reflecting the orthogonality of the Roman set by thistle and decumano, corresponding to current off-Fillungo Cenami and via San Paolino-Roma-Santa Croce.
Also dates back to Roman times, the first wall, which enclosed a square area in which, during the course of centuries, have formed the core of political power (now Palazzo Ducale) and the religious center (the church of San Michele, the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Church of Santa Reparata).
Occupied by the Goths in 400 and the following century by the Byzantines, the history of Lucca was characterized by being among the most important capitals of the kingdom of Lombardy. Thanks to the presence of the Holy Face in the church of San Martino, became a main stop on the pilgrimage from Rome to Canterbury on the way Francigena, one of the most important roads of the Middle Ages. Nevertheless, few traces remain of this historical period.
Lombard rule in 773 fell on Lucca, and began the Carolingian domination, thanks to the defeat of the Dukes of Lucca at the hands of Charlemagne. During this period the city consolidated the leading position in the era Lombard won, thanks to growing business and textile production, for which he became a city famed throughout Europe.
Textile production was the beginning of Lucca and economic growth by launching the manufacture of silk, Lucca asserted itself even more on European markets. The high quality of the product was due to the thinness of the material and the beauty of the decorations.
During this major phase of economic expansion, cultural and art were created the facade of the Duomo of San Martino and the second wall (1100-1200). The perimeter of the city was enlarged on three sides, excluding the one most exposed to danger of Pisa. Lucca and Pisa was raised several times until, in 1314, Pisan Ugoccione of Faggiola conquered the city, fueled by the instability of Guelph political infighting between Lucca and the Lucca merchants and craftsmen. With this defeat, Lucca lost the monopoly of the textile market.
The great political and economic instability became very soon (2 years later, in 1316) a popular uprising led by Castruccio Castracani Antelminelli, who drove Ugoccione and Pisani, becoming the new ruler of Lucca. Castruccio consolidate power Ghibellines defeated twice Florence, but when he died, the Duchy of Lucca collapsed in a period of decline. Followed each other several lords, including Paul Guinigi, the last, who was deposed in 1430 and tried by his fellow citizens themselves.
In the second half of 1400, early 1500, the third wall was built, following the truce signed with Florence. Lucca found economic and political stability and artistic flourishes a new season. Among the major artists of the time there is certainly Civitali Matthew, founder of the Lucchese family more active of the Renaissance.
The willingness of citizens to preserve the economic performance and cultural achievements, turned many merchants bankers, the shift of funds derived from initiating merchant to land ownership changed the market. Here is the restructuring of the walls was begun in defense of the status quo of the city. The last wall (1544-1645) is one that still stands intact, having never been under attack in war, around the historic center of Lucca.