Lucca, Tuscany - villas, museums, churches - a few places to visit in Lucca

Lucca Cathedral - Duomo di San Martino
The town's finest Romanesque building, the impressive facade is a triumph of sculpture, carving and inlay work. Home to the exquisite tomb of Ilaria del Carreto as well as Lucca's most famous relic, the Volto Santo.

Church of San Michele in Foro
To be found in Piazza San Michele, the church of San Michele in Foro is a must-see. At least, the exterior is - the interior knows that it can't compete with the wonderfully ornate facade.

Casa di Puccini
This is the house where Giacomo Puccini was born in 1858. Now a small museum with portraits, scores, sketches and the Steinway piano at which Lucca's most famous son composed Turandot. Just off Piazza San Michele, on Via di Poggio.

Torre Guinigi
Instantly recognisable as 'the tower with the tree on top', this fifteenth century 130 foot high tower may be climbed all the way to the top. The adjoining Casa Guinigi is but one of many mansions that were built by the silk trading Guinigi family, once all-powerful rulers of Lucca.

Palazzo Mansi, Lucca
Also known as the Pinacoteca, Palazzo Mansi is home to Lucca's  National Picture Gallery and the occasional special exhibition. The interior is very rococo in style, the highlight being the bridal suite, oozing silk, mirrors, engravings and gilt-work. There are also many good examples of Brussels tapestry. Via Galli Tassi.

Church of San Frediano
The facade of the church is decorated with a lavish thirteenth century mosaic; the interior is worth seeing and houses a richly carved baptismal font as well as a shrine to Lucca's saint, Santa Zita.