This Is Italy
The historic town of Lucca in Tuscany looms on top of a hill between Pisa and Florence. The medieval city walls still surround most of the old town, as they did hundreds of years ago. Lucca is a relaxed town with lots of color and character.
A stone's throw from museums, galleries, traditional markets and churches, you'll find cycle paths along the famous walls to vineyards and olive groves that descend to sweeping sea views and surprisingly wide stretches of beach. Perhaps Lucca has the ideal location in Tuscany?
And – to be fair – you haven't actually seen Tuscany if you haven't been to this UNESCO World Heritage town. The Bastioni di San Fermo are the massive miles of fortified walls that surround much of the center of Lucca. Nowhere in Tuscany will you find such well-preserved pieces of 11th-century masonry.
A colourful, medieval town
If you visit Lucca, you will discover the colourful, medieval center of the city. Explore the 16th-century city walls with their imposing bastions and modern turrets. Get lost among winding alleys where palaces of Renaissance emperors flow into the art galleries.
Blessed with a history as colorful as the amazing buildings that line its streets, Lucca is a city where you can still step back into 16th century Italy.
This beautiful Tuscan city has a lot to offer for those who want to explore its history. Get lost between perfectly preserved medieval walls or try one of the fantastic walking tours; it doesn't matter which one you prefer. Every visitor will find something to his or her liking within these ancient, glorious borders.
Only interested in la dolce vita, shopping and terraces? Even then, Lucca is your destination.
This small, medieval city is located an hour from Florence and is completely walled and car-free. If you come by car, make sure you don't accidentally enter a ZTL. Fortunately, there are plenty of parking garages and parking lots where you can park and you can easily get around on foot in the old town.
And you can discover a few of the tourist highlights in Lucca and its surroundings in this article!
1. Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
This atmospheric square in the heart of the city is brimming with history for curiosities. For the non-Romans, this square once functioned as an amphitheater – judging by the elliptical shape it still has today.
The buildings around Piazza dell'Anfiteatro are all made in a similar design and color scheme, so when you step outside on some days, you'll feel like your entire environment has been painted by one artist.
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro is the perfect place to enjoy a meal or soak up some culture. You will find great restaurants and cafes, the square is beautifully landscaped and offers expansive views of the history all around you!
2. Via Fillungo
Via Fillungo is the main shopping street in Lucca for clothes and accessories. With its cobbled stones and winding roads, it creates a pleasant walking experience with small squares to stop at once in a while. The shops are open until late october evenings open, so you can walk in the evening as well as browse during the day.
Via Fillungo is in the heart of old Lucca. It is a largely pedestrianized street, some parts of which open into small squares. Ideal for those who like to take a leisurely stroll and stop to browse a range of high quality shops.
3. Palazzo Pfanner
The elegant Palazzo Pfanner is a beautiful villa, just inside the city walls of Lucca. With its lovely sculpture garden, it is the perfect pit stop to take some photos and enjoy the fresh air. It is quiet, clean and relaxed here.
In the villa itself you get a glimpse of what life was like centuries ago. The main salon contains frescoes by Scorsini and De Santi (early to mid-18th century), as well as a collection of surgical instruments collected by Dr Pietro Pfanner (1864-1935), who was a close friend of Giacomo Puccini.
If you like this place, you can too stay overnight.
4. Torre delle Ore
The Torre delle Ore is a beautiful Italianate structure that was originally used for defense purposes.
The clock tower has always had a slightly creepy feel about it – especially at night – but that only adds to its charm.
During your visit (check the opening hours) the Torre delle Ore plays music as you climb the stairs to the top of this clock tower with the clockwork.
Upstairs you look out over Lucca's winding streets and beautiful sights, including the cathedral and basilica.
5. Acquedotto del Nottolini
The Acquedotto del Nottolini is a beautiful building from the 19th century, which is often confused with a Roman building. But it's not that old at all.
The water for the aqueduct was collected from springs in the mountains south of Lucca. It fell into disuse when the Mussolini government had a highway built right through it.
But still the Acquedotto del Nottolini is an architectural marvel in the form of 400 arches of stone that stretch for 3 km.
Tip: rent bicycles and cycle along the aqueduct. When you arrive at the highway, you have to carry the bike over the bicycle bridge for a while. Cycling in and around Lucca is recommended anyway!
6. Lucca Cathedral
The Duomo di San Martino, Lucca's cathedral, is an impressive structure first built nearly 900 years ago. Redesigned by architects of the prestigious Quattrocento Renaissance movement, it still stands proudly in the city today.
It is one of the most important churches in Italy and can be seen from miles away. Within its walls, visitors will find a plethora of beautiful works left behind over the centuries, including paintings by great Italian masters.
The front facade has a series of opulent arches and an ornate portico that frames the front doors. Construction began in the 11th century and culminated in the 14th century Renaissance with the artistic depiction of Biblical scenes through mosaics on the facade.
The tower is 45 meters high and, unsurprisingly, has become a landmark for the entire city of Lucca. As you can see in the photo, the symmetry is not quite right. This is due to a measurement error in the design. The campanile was already there when the church itself was built.
7. San Michele in Foro
Rising and standing on a field of solid white marble, the facade of San Michele in Foro grabs your attention as soon as you walk past it.
This church is characterized by an elegant simplicity that is unusual for the churches of Lucca, with its simple arches and small oculus window. Still, Byzantine touches can be found throughout, such as the hedges of alternating rosettes and palmettes that adorn the cornice, along with some quaint onion roofs to top it all off.
With an exterior that cannot be compared to anything in Lucca, this basilica is well worth a visit. Guided tours of the church and its beautiful interior are available for anyone who wants to learn more about one of the most beautiful churches in Tuscany.
The church was built in the 11th century and stands on the site of the ancient Roman forum. Not to be missed if you are in Lucca.
8. Basilica of San Frediano
Another top ecclesiastical attraction in Lucca is the Basilica of San Frediano. This is a Romanesque church dedicated to Frediano, the bishop of Lucca in the first half of the 6th century.
Note the beautiful golden mosaic on the facade depicting the Ascension of Christ. This used to be the back facade, but it was outside the Roman walls. That is why the basilica was turned around during the reconstruction.
9. Piazza Napoleone
Have you seen enough churches? Don't worry, there is much more to do in the center of Lucca. For example, go to Piazza Napoleone (also called Piazza Grande) with the Grand Ducal Palace. The imposing facade offers space to admire the architecture from the Renaissance without being crowded out by people. The palace now houses the provincial house of Lucca.
At the end of the last century, this square was a parking lot, then it offered space for walkers and events. After your walk, catch your breath in one of the lovely cafes or restaurants that conveniently overlook this quaint central square. Piazza Napoleone may be a bit off the beaten track, but it's definitely worth it.
10. Torre dei Guinigi
The Guinigi Tower is the most famous of all the towers in Lucca. It was built around 1340 and has a roof garden with fantastic views over the city. Your excursion to explore this beautiful tower begins in Piazza di Ansidei. Opposite this you can see the dragon door that leads to the entrance of Torre dei Guinigi.
A brick facade with arched windows greets visitors as they enter, as the optional audio guide guides them up winding stairs. Surprisingly enough, once at the top you are in a garden with the most beautiful views over the city.
11.Orto Botanico Comunale
The Orto Botanico Comunale is the perfect place to relax after a long day strolling around Lucca. The historic gardens are so much more than just greenery, they offer all the space you need for leisure and relaxation. From playing ping pong to reading a book on the benches with a cup of coffee. Also a perfect spot for people watching.
Visitors to the gardens are greeted with an abundance of colors and textures that create an air of serenity and calm. The scent of freshly cut grass, wet soil and flowers wafting through the air fills visitors with joy and excitement as they wander and discover nature's most extraordinary treasures hidden in these peaceful green leaves.
First-time visitors to the park are advised to explore the Orto Botanico Comunale first, where they can not only experience different climates but also learn all about plant care before wandering around and exploring exotic species such as palm trees, rattlesnake lilies, laurel cherries and redwoods admire or find inspiration in the extensive library.
The Lucca Botanical Gardens occupy two of the bastions on the city walls. With 19 different zones, each with its own character, this space is full of activity even on a weekday morning.
12. Parco Alpi Apuane
North of Lucca, nature lovers can indulge themselves in the Parco Regionale delle Alpi Apuane.
This is a popular place for those who enjoy walking and exploring. The nature park has numerous hiking and climbing opportunities and remarkable landscapes. It encompasses the prestigious mountain range of the Apuan Alps in Tuscany, which is about an hour north of Lucca.
This area is also known for beautiful marble and dramatic views from Mount Forato, ancient marble quarries and several other points along this park.
Be sure to take some time to explore the various mountains and valleys and discover scenic sights such as ancient quarries and refreshing oases.
13. Museum of Villa Mansi
Ornate artwork adorns the interior passageways and patios alongside ancient statues that have seen better days. Abundant gardens pop up around every corner, with surprises behind every bush for those who look hard enough.
Villa Mansi, just northeast of Lucca, was masterfully designed by the wealthy Benedetti family before being passed on to their successors. The museum is filled floor-to-ceiling with art so rare that even the pickiest collector would be delighted!
The villa itself exhibits some of the finest examples of Venetian-style architecture Italy has to offer. The interior also contains a plethora of lavish works by some celebrated artisans, making it a must stop for anyone interested in historic buildings or world-class art.
14.Puccini Museum
The smallest house in this musical city is also the most famous: that of the great opera composer, Giacomo Puccini. When you enter his house and set foot on the creaky floors, your imagination starts to flow.
The decor is sparse but reminiscent of days long gone. Portraits adorn the walls as rows and rows of plates fill the shelves below.
The Puccini Museum is your chance to escape into the world of opera. Whether you're a fan or not, it's worth checking out this small museum for its personal touch and charm!
15. A walk on the city wall
Don't feel like going anywhere? That affects. Lucca is also ideal for viewing from a distance while strolling along the ramparts. Lucca is much larger than the part that lies within the walls, but a walk of 4 kilometers on the wall gives you the best impressions of the old center.
The rampart is used as a park by both locals and tourists. You can also cycle over it.
16. Trip to Pisa
A trip to Lucca would not be complete without a visit to Pisa, a beautiful but underrated historic city, as most tourists only come for the Leaning Tower.
Lucca and Pisa are only 17 kilometers apart. If you stay in Lucca, you can also rent bicycles and go to the Campo dei Miracoli by bike. Saves a lot of parking stress! If you're not much of a cyclist, take the train from Lucca. The connection is excellent.
From the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa to the yellow Florentine-style buildings on the Arno River, there is an abundance of photo opportunities here.
Would you like to discover the most beautiful places in Lucca yourself?
You read it yourself: Lucca is actually not to be missed during your trip to Tuscany. Lucca is such a nice Italian town where you can enjoy the sweet Tuscan life, preferably in spring or autumn.
There is so much to see and do here that you can easily stay 1 or 2 nights. So you can enjoy all the beauty that this special city has to offer early in the morning and late at night. Lucca is also conveniently located. From here you can easily reach Florence or Pisa, so you can easily combine a stay.
But beware: accommodations in Lucca are often fully booked. To get a nice spot, you have to book in time.
Here you will find the best and cheapest accommodations in Lucca.
Have you been to Lucca yourself and would you like to share more special sights with other Italy lovers? Or do you have any tips to get more out of your trip to Lucca? Let us know with a comment below this article.
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