Lucca is one of the few Tuscan towns to retain its original urban structure. The ancient center was enclosed and protected by the Roman walls. Lucca developed within them until the end of the 19th century, creating an interesting superimposition of historical styles. Today the walls play an important part in town life, shielding the streets of the center from traffic and creating a ring of green around them. Lucca has developed into a modern city, at the same time retaining the characteristics of a little country town where ancient and modern coexist. Lucca's location is ideal; it is only 30 minutes from Pisa and the Mediterranean and 1 hour from Florence.

The classrooms of Centro Koinè are in historic premises in downtown Lucca between the Piazza dell' Anfiteatro and the Torre Guinigi. On the first day, each student will receive a folder with a monthly program of cultural activities and excursions, a guide with useful addresses for a stay in Lucca, and a map of the city. A collection of video tapes of Italian films is available to students in the afternoons.
A fax and a E-mail service is also available in the office and an Internet café is near the school. A wine and gourmet information office is available to recommend restaurants and advise you on the purchase of Tuscan wines as well as offer wine tastings, cookery courses and visits to farms.

For an unsolicited review of the Koinè Center Lucca program from a student's perspective, click on this press link: Grapevine.

	I had one of the best weeks of my entire life in Lucca! Everything went like clockwork: the Sargentis were charming, school friendly, other students interesting, town fascinating, weather pleasant, food brilliant. Spoke Italian nearly all the time, and I feel about 20 years younger. Thanks for all your arrangements.
	Philippa, Student from Great Britain

	First, I would like to tell you that I had a marvelous experience being a student at your center. It was great fun, I learned a good deal, and I met some very interesting people. The organization of the course work was excellent. The different components-- listening to cassettes, reading articles, playing word games and talking with different partners or small groups--served the students very well. I was very impressed with the teachers' willingness to allow spontaneous conversation among the students to continue and to use it as part of the lessons themselves. 'Real conversations' prove far more interesting and generate a real urgency to grapple with the language. The people of Lucca with whom I interacted were extremely polite, friendly, helpful, and very tolerate of my emerging italian. I congratulate you on your excellent school, and do hope to return some day.
	Melissa Anderson, Student