Province of Lucca facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Province of Lucca
Lucca
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|---|---|
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| Country |  Italy |
| Region | Toscana |
| Capital | Lucca |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1,773 km2 (685 sq mi) |
| Population
(2004)
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| • Total | 372,244 |
| • Density | 210/km2 (500/sq mi) |
| Postal Code |
55110
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| Telephone prefix |
0583 and 0584
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| ISTAT | 046 |
| Vehicle registration | LU |
| No. of communes | = 35 |
The Province of Lucca (in Italian: Provincia di Lucca) is a special area in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is like a county or district. The main city and capital of this province is Lucca.
This province covers an area of about 1,773 square kilometers. In 2001, about 372,244 people lived here. There are 35 smaller towns or districts called comuni (singular: comune) within the province.
Contents
Exploring the Geography of Lucca Province
The Province of Lucca is located in the northwest part of coastal Italy. It is part of the Tuscany region. To the west, it touches the Tyrrhenian Sea. This means it has some beautiful beaches!
Borders and Neighbors
Lucca Province shares its borders with several other areas. To the northwest, it is next to the Province of Massa-Carrara. To the south, you'll find the Province of Pisa. The Province of Pistoia is to the northeast, and the Province of Florence is to the east. To the north, it borders the Emilia-Romagna region, specifically the provinces of Reggio Emilia and Province of Modena.
Coastal Areas and Natural Parks
You can reach the Tyrrhenian Sea through towns like Torre del Lago, Viareggio, and Forte dei Marmi. The province is split into four main parts: Piana di Lucca, Versilia, Media Valle del Serchio, and Garfagnana.
Versilia is famous for its long, sandy beaches. You can also find sand dunes and wet areas in the Migliarino-San Rossore-Massaciuccoli Natural Park. Popular beach towns in the province include Viareggio, Lido di Camaiore, Pietrasanta, and Forte dei Marmi. The Garfagnana area is known for its lovely wooded hills and olive trees.
Lakes and Hot Springs
Lago di Massaciuccoli is a lake covering about 6.9 square kilometers. Most of it is in the town of Massarosa, and some is in Torre del Lago. Long ago, this lake was called Fossis Papirianis.
The famous composer Giacomo Puccini lived near this lake. He often went hunting around it. Today, a special music event called the Puccini Festival is held there every year to celebrate his work.
The hot springs of Bagni di Lucca are in the valley of the Lima River. This river flows into the Serchio River. These springs have been known since ancient times. A scientist named Fallopius once said that the springs helped cure his deafness.
Amazing Places to See in Lucca Province
The Province of Lucca has many old and interesting places. It was once part of the Via Francigena, a major route for pilgrims in the Middle Ages. Because of this, you can find many castles, old churches, and beautiful villas.
Historic Buildings and Churches
Some famous villas include the Villa Torrigiani and Villa Mansi. The Lucca Cathedral, also called the Duomo of San Martino, was first built in the 6th century. It was rebuilt in the 11th century in a style called Romanesque. Later, in the 14th century, it was updated with Tuscan Gothic influences.
The Church of San Frediano, also in Lucca city, is thought to be a rare example of Lombard architecture that has stayed mostly the same. Its front part was added around the year 1200. This church has some very valuable artworks. So do the Mansi Palace and the 14th-century Church of San Francesco. The Church of San Francesco also holds the tomb of a local poet named Giovanni Guidiccioni.
Guinigi Tower and Aqueduct
The Case Guinigi and the Guinigi Tower in Lucca are great examples of medieval buildings that are still standing. Construction on them started in 1384 for the rich Guinigi family. Paolo Guinigi was a ruler of the town in the early 15th century. The tower is about 44.25 meters tall. It was built using sandstone and brick. Only one of the original towers is left today.
Another important structure is the Aqueduct of Nottolini. This aqueduct has 459 arches and was built between 1823 and 1832. It was used to carry water.
See also
In Spanish: Provincia de Lucca para niños
