In Lucca, you go round in circles—literally. The city is a maze of winding streets, framed by ancient walls that twist and turn, daring you to get lost. And get lost I did—on purpose, because that’s half the fun. If you climb to the top of the city walls, you can wander for hours, looking down on terracotta roofs, hidden piazzas, and sun-dappled alleys that seem frozen in time.

The food, of course, is unforgettable. Lunch here was a revelation, one more “buono” on a list that’s growing dangerously long. Shadows stretch from towering churches, and every corner carries centuries of history. Lucca boasts at least five layers of walls—a city that has never, ever been attacked. They didn’t need them, but hey, walls make a city unforgettable.

The art is rich, the history deep, and the atmosphere quietly intoxicating. Lucca has a rhythm all its own, one that leaves a gentle pull on the heart. I know I’ll be back—this city has a way of claiming a piece of your soul.