A 2 and a half hour private walking tour to discover the most important places in the historic center of Lucca. You will walk in the footsteps of the procession of the Volto Santo, on cobbled streets between stately buildings, truncated towers, and ancient squares. I will tell you the history, anecdotes and legends of the only city in Tuscany that did not experience the rule of the Medici, and I will show you the most significant churches among the many that the city of Lucca hosts. Along the way, to round your experience in Lucca, I will also give you a lot of hints about where to taste the best Tuscany and Lucca food specialties. The visit begins in Piazza Anfiteatro, a witness to the Roman origins of the city of Lucca, today it is home to several street markets and a destination for photographers but also for those who want to enjoy an aperitif at sunset in a fascinating atmosphere. From there we move to admire the majesty of the Renaissance walls that for 5 centuries have protected the historic center of Lucca from the assaults of the neighboring cities. Walking along the walls you will discover how this defense system was conceived and how, having lost their original function, they became a symbol of the city and a place frequented by the people of Lucca who are very jealous of them. We will arrive at the Basilica of San Frediano, we will first admire the Byzantine mosaic on the facade and then we will visit its interior where I will tell you the story of the arrival of the Volto Santo in the city and of Santa Zita, patron saint of Lucca. From there we go to Via Fillungo, the shopping street, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy an aperitif or eat excellent Tuscan cuisine. As we pass under the clock tower I will tell you about Lucida Mansi, a legendary beautiful woman from Lucca who made a pact with the devil to not lose her beauty. We will continue the tour to the church of San Michele in Foro to observe the bas-reliefs of mythological figures that are found on its facade and the works kept inside. Behind the church, for those with a sweet tooth, we can stop to taste Buccellato, a typical dessert from Lucca. We will then pass by Piazza Napoleone. Commissioned by Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, this square was the seat of the Napoleonic court and its splendor for 10 years. The last stop on our tour is the Cathedral of San Martino, the largest church in Lucca, the point of arrival of the Volto Santo and a destination in the past for many pilgrims who arrived in Lucca following the Via Francigena. A great example of Romanesque architecture, we will stop to enjoy the details of the square, the facade and the portico. We then move inside where, before saying goodbye, I will tell you about various works of art such as “La ultima cena” by Tintoretto and the funeral monument to Ilaria del Carretto by Iacopo della Quercia.