Lucca

Away from the crowds of tourists that flock to witness Florence’s artistic heritage and Pisa’s crooked tower, the city of Lucca in the north of Tuscany appears undiscovered by comparison. As the capital of the Province of Lucca it is renowned for its intact Renaissance-era city walls, being the birthplace of Puccini and some fine olive oils produced locally.

To step inside the city walls is almost to travel back in time as Lucca’s narrow cobbled streets and restrictions on cars allow visitors to meander between cafes, boutiques and piazzas. These photos offer a hint of Lucca's alluring charm and a small slice of la bella vita.