TuscanyVillas4u : ... Lucca and its sourroundings

The province of Lucca is an old, controversial land. Northern border of the Etruscans, a leading Roman town, and a powerful Longobard centre; divided between the power of the citizens of Lucca, the elegant and refined ruling House of Este and the domains of the Medici, the territory of the province lies along the shores of Versilia, climbs up through the hills and then higher towards the Apuan Alps and the Appennines, before dropping down to follow the long course of the river Serchio that brings it to Lucca and its fertile plain. Each of these areas calls up different colours, feelings and emotions: the blue of the sea and the deep perfume of the Mediterranean maquis, the soft green hills of Lucca, the white marble quarries of the Apuan Alps and the white snows of the Appennines, the rushing waters of the river, the majestic chestnut woods and the cool, secret lakes. The territory’s beauty and its many important cultural features are the main qualities of this territory: Versilia, the national capital of seaside tourism since the early decades of the twentieth century; Lucca with its sixteenth century walls that preserve one of the finest art towns in Italy; the small towns and villages, rich in history and works of art; the walls of Camaiore and the fortified village of Castiglione, the historic centres of Pietrasanta and Barga; the nature of the parks of the Apuan Alps and of Migliarino San Rossore.
The Province of Lucca, that uneven land, rich in waters and woods, occupying the coast and the mountains in the north of Tuscany, is divided into three parts. One of these, Garfagnana, is rough and mountainous, climbing up from the valley of the Serchio towards the Tuscan Emilian Appennines. The second, Versilia, with its name of uncertain origin and debatable geography, comes from the mountains of Stazzema and Seravezza dropping  from the Apuan Alps and the marble quarries towards the sandy shore of Pietrasanta. The third part, Lucca itself, lies among woods and hills, closed in its Mediaeval Walls like a gentlewoman, laborious and lustful, fond of luxury and pleasures. Different uses and customs, sudden immigrations, strong ties with one’s roots, have, over the centuries, created social conditions that are deeply varied, carrying on a variety of poor and traditional trades that are, in a way, also picturesque. It is difficult to penetrate Lucca’s historic air of mystery. History has passed through the palaces of Lucca’s nobility on tiptoe, silent and secluded. For these reasons the Roman city of Lucca has had the privilege of maintaining its original aspect. After the Unification of Italy, few changes come about, but the citizens of Lucca have already, in the words of the writer Mario Tobino:” achieved the most extraordinary feat in Italy, they have preserved their city. Lucca is the same as ever.”