Lucca: Piazza dell'anfiteatro - Panorama

Lucca: Piazza dell'anfiteatro – Panorama

Exit Rome, Florence, and Milan to the first-timers. If y'all are serious most having a truly authentic and memorable trip, consider leaving the well-worn tourist path. Enter Lucca, a majestic medieval walled city with charm to spare. Located on the river Serchio in the centre of Tuscany, Lucca is habitation to 87,000 lucky souls.

Lucca: The Soul of Tuscany

The centre of Lucca dates dorsum to 180 BC. The city middle preserves the rectangular Roman street grid. Traces of the ancient ampitheatre tin even so be seen at the Piazza dell/Anfiteatro, and the Piazza San Michele occupies the site of the ancient forum. Countless cobbled lanes and alleys beg to be explored. In fact, the tranquility, narrow cobbled streets received quite the rude awakening a few years agone when they played host to a very Italian Job-esque episode of the British tv set prove Superlative Gear.

Even if you don't know Lucca from Louisiana, y'all have probably tasted a piece of this gem of Tuscany. In 1925, Rinaldo and Ezilda Torre founded the Torani Syrup Company using original Luccan recipes . That' right, your flavored latté just got a whole lot more authentic thank you to Lucca.

In 56 BC, Lucca played host to Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus held a meeting to reaffirm their famous political alliance, known equally the start triumvirate. At one point or some other, Lucca has been inhabited by the Etruscans, Ligurians, Romans, German raiders, and Lombards. Lucca has also been a center of religious life for regional Catholic and Jewish communities.

By the 11th century, Lucca'due south prime location on the Serchio River brought the silk merchandise, bringing with information technology a singled-out Eastern influence too as the coin necessary to fund major artistic and architectural developments.

Lucca is habitation to far besides many cathedrals, celebrated academies, art museums, and historic sites to name here or to see in one visit. All the more excuse to become back. With multiple famous composers, painters, and sculptors having been born in Lucca, the urban center is rife with art and proud of its renaissance pedigree.

Each summertime, Lucca plays host to the aptly-named Lucca Summer Festival. In add-on to the usual festival activities, the metropolis manages to draw some major headliners. Eric Clapton, Santana, Tracy Chapman, and Massive Attack have all played alive at the Plaza Napoleone in the heart of the city.

Thankfully, as the city expanded and grew, Lucca elected to keep its medieval walls, an uncommon do for the region. With the threat of Germanic raiders all merely gone, the residents of Lucca have establish new uses for their celebrated walls. After having been used extensively for auto racing in the 20thursday century, the wall now functions as a quite pedestrian pathway high higher up the celebrated streets and steeples. Each of the four sides in lined with a different tree species, providing a verdant ring in the spring, and a blaze of Tuscan red in the autumn. Exist warned, one evening stroll atop the walls of such a beautiful city will accept your thinking virtually cancelling your return ticket.

Information technology'south your Vacation, Stress Less

Whatever trip can be overwhelming. When that trip takes you halfway around the world to a country every bit decorated and confusing every bit Italy, the stress of information technology all can ruin what would have been the trip of a lifetime. Consider using a company that specializes in escorted tours of Italy to ensure that your trip to Lucca goes as planned. Traveling with a guide that speaks the language, understands the culture, and knows all the secret spots can make your vacation actually experience like a vacation once more.

Nigh the Author: Dylan Jones is a freelance travel writer who works for Customer Image. In his spare time he is decorated plotting his next big take a chance and reminiscing on his celebrity days racing bicycles in French republic. If you enjoyed this piece you can follow Dylan on Twitter @CustParadigm.

Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck on Vespa in Roman Holiday trailer

Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck on Vespa in Roman Holiday trailer

One of the most magical cities in the world, it's not surprising that Rome has been chosen and so many times over the years every bit the backdrop to some of cinema's greatest scenes. Boasting a myriad of history and culture that adds that extra little sparkle that lights up the screen time and time again, here are a few of our favourite films that are based in the Eternal Urban center.

Roman Vacation (1953)

The film that catapulted Audrey Hepburn to worldwide fame, Roman Holiday sees the actress play Princess Ann, a princess determined to escape her imperial duties in lodge to fulfil her dreams of a life of carefree fun and excitement. Coming together mannerly journalist Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck) along the way, together they embark on a wild adventure turned love story that takes identify across the streets of Rome. This is the film you have to thank for Vespas being forever associated with the Italian urban center  " and, of class, the film that won Hepburn her Best Actress Academy Award.

La Dolce Vita (1960)

Perhaps the quintessential Roman moving-picture show by 1 of Italy'south about famous directors, Federico Fellini, La Dolce Vita is an enchanting watch and these days, something of a cult classic. Following an cryptic seven days and nights in Rome, La Dolce Vita is a snapshot into the life of journalist Marcello Rubini (Marcello Mastroianni) and into his search for happiness and dearest. A beautifully shot and artfully crafted film, the scene where Mastroianni and co-star Anita Ekburg spring in the Fontana Di Trevi cemented Rome's place in cinematic history forever. La Dolce Vita is a must-run across for all fans of Rome.

Bicycle Thieves (1948)

A pure master course in the stripped back style of Italian neorealism and described as one of the greatest films ever made, Bicycle Thieves is managing director Vittorio De Sica'south triumph. In a postal service-WWII world, the movie plot is beautifully simple, post-obit Enzo Staiola (Lamberto Maggiorani) on the chase for his stolen bicycle without which he cannot accept on the chore that he needs to support his family. In classic neorealist style, the flick is shot entirely on the streets of Rome and employs local people instead of actors, making this film an authentic snapshot of Roman life and history after the 2d World War.

L'Eclisse (1962)

Considered the third picture in Michelangelo Antonioni'southward trilogy following L'Avventura (1960) and La Notte (1961), L'Eclisse is a haunting and intense drama that utilises the compages of Rome to say its piece. A sterile look at fascism, life and love, Fifty'Eclisse follows Vittoria (Monica Vitti) through the trials and tribulations of her romantic relationships, first with an older Riccardo (Francisco Rabal) and followed past her young lover, Piero (Alain Delon). This is a striking movie where even the things that are left unsaid are as hauntingly powerful in their very silence.

The Talented Mr Ripley (1999)

The 1999 adaption of Patricia Highsmith'due south novel, The Talented Mr. Ripley unfolds a game of twisted truths and little white lies, prepare against the properties of a beautiful and sunday-dappled southern Italy. Matt Damon stars every bit the title's namesake, Tom Ripley, a bath attendant who'southward borrowed a fancy jacket to play the piano at a high-class outcome in New York. The exceedingly rich Herbert Greenleaf mistakes Tom for an former friend of his son Dickie (Jude Constabulary) from his Princeton days, commencement a concatenation of events that gives Tom the golden ticket into the decadent and luxury world that he longs to be a part of. The dark and twisted plot contrasts against the beauty of the Italian setting, with a pastel palette of the motion picture appearing almost faded by the rut of the sun. An unmissable thriller.

How to get there

If yous want to cheque out the inspiration for these Italian classics for yourself, be sure to head on over to Rome. The city is dwelling house to ii airports, Leonardo da Vinci (by and large known by its old proper name Fiumicino) and Ciampino. Fiumicino is Rome's primary airport and is just 30 minutes from the centre by express train to Stazione Termini. The smaller Ciampino airport requires you to take a Cotral bus to Metro A: Anagnina station, with buses running every 30 minutes until 11pm.

Where to stay

After a long solar day of sightseeing effectually Rome's almost cinematic sights, a comfortable identify to rest your weary head volition no doubt be at the top of your list. Whether yous want to stick to well-trodden centro storico or fancy something a little more unusual, at that place are often great deals to be had, especially with hotels in Rome from Expedia. Take a trip to the Eternal City and encounter the screen come to life before your eyes.

Josie Sampson is a Fashion, travel and lifestyle author based in London. She has is a contributing author on a number of sites including: Huffington Post, London Metro, Demolition Times, Clohes on Film, and Kubrick on the Guillotine among many others. Y'all can view her profile here: https://plus.google.com/116924445784293921784/most

Uffizi Hallway  " image via Wikipedia commons

You’ll be spoiled for selection when you're on the chase for a great museum or gallery anywhere in Italy, the country's rich history means at that place are examples of historical art and artefacts practically everywhere you lot go. Some of the best and most jaw-dropping examples are very popular, and then volume your tickets well in advance if you feel like paying whatever of these examples a visit.

The Uffizi in Florence

An absolute dream for art lovers, the Galleria degli Uffizi has won a reputation for being one of the acme museums in Italia, and information technology's quite clear why. Lovers of Renaissance art can wander the museum awestruck as they accept in the magnificent paintings and sculptures from famous artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Raphael, and Titian, as well equally delicate tapestries and illuminated manuscripts.

The Uffizi is so popular that tourists are usually advised to book their tickets months in advance to avoid disappointment and very long queues.

Open Tuesday to Sunday eight.15-18.50

Closed on Mondays, ist January, 1st May, and 25th December.

Santa Maria delle Grazie refectory in Milan

This museum has seen a surge in popularity since the release of The Da Vinci Code'  " information technology's where the famous Last Supper mural can exist establish, not hanging in an fine art gallery but painted on the walls of a church refectory. The Santa Maria delle Grazie is in fact an sometime Dominican convent which has at present been given UNESCO World Heritage condition for the famous art work on the refectory wall.

The church is merely small and, due to its immense popularity, just effectually 25 people are allowed in to see the mural at a time. Time in the refectory is strictly limited to 15 minutes, but the jaw-dropping beauty of this famous piece of fine art volition make the advance booking and queuing necessary to see this work well worth the endeavour.

Open Monday to Friday: 7:00am – 12:00am, 3:00pm – vii:00pm

Open Sat and Sunday: 7:15am – 12:15pm, 3:30pm – 9:00pm

The Vatican Museums in Rome

Not strictly in Italy, equally Vatican city is technically its own principality, the Vatican Museums are essential viewing if you lot're lucky plenty to be spending time in Rome.

Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, the Vatican Museums are abode to some amazing works of art, from fascinating Egyptian and Roman antiquities to paintings by some of the most famous Renaissance artists. Arguably the most famous of the museums is the stunning Sistine Chapel – visitors flock to see the breath taking ceiling decorated by Michelangelo, and the Stanze della Segnatura by Raphael. The Chapel is a work of fine art in its own correct, decorated from floor to ceiling by Renaissance artists.

Be prepared for queues though – the Museums saw five meg visitors in 2011.

Open Monday to Sat, the Ticket Role is open from 9 am to 4 pm. The Museums shut at 6 pm.

Closed on Sundays, except the last Lord's day of every month, when entrance is gratuitous from ix am to 12.30 pm and the Museums close at 2 pm.

National Archaeological Museum in Naples

The National Archaeological Museum of Naples is the best identify to discover authentic Greek and Roman antiquities in Italian republic. There are ancient sculptures and mosaics that appointment back to two centuries BC, also as rare gems, ancient glass and silverware, and fifty-fifty a drove of Roman erotica from Pompeii.

One of the most pop archæology museums in Italian republic, information technology'southward certainly an un-missable destination if you're visiting Naples. Most of the mosaics are what'south left of floors or walls from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Stabiae following volcanic eruptions, and the museum gives a fascinating insight into life before Vesuvius.

The Undercover Museum in Naples

The Underground Museum is actually part of the Museum of Archaeology in Naples and houses a collection of erotic frescoes and artefacts institute in Pompeii and nearby. The museum has an interesting history of its own; uptight government ordered the archaeologists who unearthed the erotica in the 18th century to go along their discoveries hidden, every bit they were considered likewise scandalous to reveal to the public. Now they are proudly displayed, just the exhibition is and then popular that you're likely to demand to book in advance to run into it.

Open daily from 9:00 to 19:30 (Closed Tuesdays, Christmas Day, 1st January, and 1st May.)

Peggy Guggenheim in Venice.

The Peggy Guggenheim museum is considered ane of the nearly important museums of contemporary art in Italy, and was originally dedicated to the advancement of 20th century art. The museum is housed in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, the unfinished 18th century palace on Venice's Grand Canal where art patron and collector Peggy Guggenheim once lived.

Art lovers will find a permanent drove on display that's packed with works from some of the near historic 20thursday century artists, including Jackson Pollock, Picasso and Alexander Calder. The museum was opened in 1980, and is a major describe for tourists with a love of modern art in Italy.

Open up daily 10am-6pm (Airtight Tuesdays, and December 25)

These aren't the but galleries and museums in Italy. The country is famous for its art and culture. In one case y'all've been to the must-see venues, take some time to explore the hidden gems too.

About the Author: Alexandra Johnson works with Trafalgar.com . Trafalgar.com provides tours throughout Europe, including Italy. Alexandra writes tips and communication for those traveling to Italy, Spain and French republic. You lot tin can follow Trafalgar on Twitter .

Rome has many iconic locations, with the Coliseum being at the top of every tourist's list. From in that location, visitors oftentimes get to the Sistine Chapel, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the city's many basilicas. These are must-sees and are vital points of interest for the outset-time visitor, only if you lot've been to Rome before and you'd prefer to explore sites further afield, here are a few hidden treasures, rich in history and beautiful architecture for history buffs and beauty lovers alike.

Capuchin Crypt

The Capuchin Catacomb in central Rome is a gruesome site to some, equally the crypt is one of the few locations in the world where man bones have been used as interior decoration. This macabre sight was created by the first monk inhabitants in the 1600s. It is thought that they unearthed their dead at the erstwhile site and brought the bones to decorate the walls of a number of the crypts and the chapel. Archaeologists call up the location was consecrated with soil from Jerusalem, and subsequent monks were buried hither before beingness exhumed in 30 years to join the walls of basic. This is a deeply affecting location, regardless of personal beliefs, and is not to be missed.

Ostia Ruins

Forty-5 minutes from central Rome, Ostia is a popular seaside location for the sunday-seeking tourist. What sunbathers often miss, however, is the cacophony of ruins, sometime statues and other remnants of Roman past strewn around the town. The epicenter of Ostia's Roman history is at Ostia Antica. Ostia was once a large port city under the Roman Empire, and was deserted around 480AD equally Rome fell. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear as the uncovered ruins cover a vast area, and buy a guide book to help y'all identify the stone and statues you come across – you lot're sure to spend away a whole day! This is a bang-up identify for people who love to immerse themselves in history without the huge crowds oftentimes seen at Pompeii. Look for the baths, dock workers' apartments and the city Forum.

Tivoli: Hadrian'due south Villa and Villa d'Este

But twenty miles (32 km) from Rome, Tivoli is the home to two spectacular sites. The home of the Emperor Hadrian and a number of successors before falling into decay, some parts of the ruins are remarkably preserved and, although there is much to wait at, the full extent of Hadrian's villa is still to be excavated. These ruins look unusual for Roman ruins as Hadrian was heavily invested in the design and combined styles from his travels through Greece, Arab republic of egypt and afterward to create a retreat from his decorated working life. Likewise on bear witness are many discovered and restored mosaics and statues, though many were lost to 18thursday century antiques dealers and the 16th century Cardinal at the nearby Villa d'Este. Brand this location a priority, as recent studies bear witness the ruins are outset to deteriorate at a worrying rate.

Bomarzo Park

If you'd savour a quiet 24-hour interval trip away from the crowds – locals and tourists alike – arrange for a visit to Bomarzo Park in the province of Viterbo (42 miles or 68 km northwest of Rome). Here sits a wondrous array of stone carvings of monsters, classical styles and gargantuan man figures. The park is utterly unique and was a popular topic of conversation for Jean Cocteau and Salvador Dali. Compared to other gardens and architecture of the day this was incredibly innovative, and would fit in with many surrealist modern gardens of the present day. The garden was not created to please, but to amaze.

Orvieto

Stepping away from Roman history to the Middle Ages, Orvieto  " threescore miles north of Rome – is full of gorgeous architecture and history, not all easily seen to the untrained eye. Sites of importance are the Orvieto Cathedral with its striking facade, the Papal residence, Pozzo di S.Patrizio (an artesian well, built to supply water to the pope and local people during the sack of Rome in 1527) and the surreptitious city. Explore to find more stunning remnants of history and savour weaving through its old-fashioned streets. Many of the interiors can be seen but with the help of a registered guide.

Nigh the Writer: Tariq Mohammed works with Rome Private Guides. Rome Private Guides is a group of licensed tour guides specializing in Rome Tours.