and to this day, the proud lucchesi have a strong sense of identity.ca's appeal is in its relaxed old-world ambience. stroll around. take time to let the city unfold. romanesque churches seem to be around every corner, as do inviting piazzas busy with children at play. the main pedestrian drag is via fillungo. strolling here, past elegant old storefronts, you'll get a glimpse of lucca's rich past, as well as its charming present. piazza amphitheater was built around an ancient roman arena. while the arena's long gone, its oval shape is a reminder of the city's classical heritage. locals have been gathering here for 2,000 years. today's attraction -- a flower market. piazza san michele also has ancient roots. it's hosted a market since roman times, when it was the forum. today it's dominated by the church of san michele. towering above its fancy romanesque facade, the archangel michael stands ready to flap his wings, which, thanks to a crude mechanical contraption, he actually did on special occasions. in its heyday, lucca packed over 100 towers within