Lucca Travel Guide : What To Do | Budget Tips | Day Trips & More

If you are planning a tour to Italy, make sure that you don’t ignore Tuscany. Tuscany and its popular attraction, Luca, offer some unique adventures, which you can’t get anywhere else.  Called the walled city or the city of a hundred churches, Lucca can be visited on a day’s trip from Florence or Pisa. But to properly appreciate this little compact city, keep aside at least two days, and fully explore its attractions. You will be glad that you have visited this historic city while traveling with your Italy Visa. Let’s learn more about visiting Lucca and figure out what to expect.

Planning Your Trip to Lucca

When visiting Lucca Italy, proper planning is needed. When planning your trip to Lucca, consider the best time to visit based on your preferences. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions.

Summer (June to August) is the busiest season, with warm temperatures and various festivals and events taking place. Winter (November to March) is quieter and can be chilly, but it’s a great time to enjoy indoor attractions and cozy cafes.

To make the most of your visit, consider purchasing the Lucca Tourist Card, which offers admission to several museums, churches, and attractions at a discounted price. The card also includes free bus travel within the city limits.

When it comes to accommodation, Lucca offers a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. From charming bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels, you’ll find plenty of choices within the city walls and in the surrounding areas.

Where is Lucca & how do I get there?

Where is Lucca Italy? Lucca is a charming city located in the Tuscany region of central Italy, just 80 km west of Florence and 20 km northeast of Pisa. The easiest way to reach Lucca is by train, with frequent connections from major cities like Florence, Pisa, and Rome.  Now you know how to get to Lucca Italy.

The city’s main railway station, Lucca Centrale, is just a short walk from the historic city center. Alternatively, you can drive to Lucca via the A11 motorway, which connects the city to Florence and Pisa. The nearest airports are Pisa International Airport (PSA) and Florence Airport (FLR), both of which offer bus and train connections to Lucca.

What can I experience in Lucca?

Lucca offers a wealth of experiences for visitors to enjoy. As you explore the city’s well-preserved historic center, you’ll encounter stunning architecture, including ancient churches, towers, and palaces. Walking or cycling along the city’s iconic walls is a must-do activity, providing a unique perspective on the city and its surroundings.

Lucca is also known for its vibrant culture, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Lucca Summer Festival and the Lucca Comics & Games convention. Foodies will delight in the city’s culinary scene, which showcases the best of Tuscan cuisine, from hearty pasta dishes to locally produced wine and olive oil. Now you have answers to the question, “Is Lucca worth visiting”.

A Brief History of Lucca

Lucca’s history dates back to the Etruscan era, with the city later becoming a Roman colony in 180 BC. During the Middle Ages, Lucca flourished as an independent city-state, known for its thriving silk trade and powerful banking families. The city’s wealth and influence are reflected in its impressive architecture, including the well-preserved city walls, which were built between the 16th and 17th centuries.

Throughout its history, Lucca has been home to notable figures such as the composer Giacomo Puccini and the poet Dante Alighieri, who spent part of his exile in the city. Today, Lucca continues to celebrate its rich heritage while embracing modern culture and tourism.

Lucca Cathedral:

The Cattedrale di San Martino is the main cathedral of Lucca. The Cathedral has a great big bell tower which is half-finished. Climb up the bell tower to see views of the city. The main body of the church has various works of art like the 8ft-tall dark wooden carving of Jesus on a cross. The cathedral museum also has other treasures like medieval hymnals and a crucifix by Pisani among others.

Take a Walk on the Historic City Walls:

This old historic city is surrounded by thick and high fortifications that date back to the Middle Ages. It is one of the best-preserved city walls and is 4Km long. Walk on the broad walls along a tree-lined boulevard and explore the 11 bastions and six gates. Enjoy the views of Tuscan Hills. The architect of this fortification is said to be Leonardo Da Vinci.

Guinigi Tower:

The massive tower in the middle of the town with the oak trees growing on its roof is Gunigi Tower. This tower was built in the 14th century in the Romanesque/Gothic style with arched windows and features an exposed brick design. Climb up the tower and enjoy the views of rooftops against the backdrop of hills while standing under the oak trees. This tower dominates the skyline and can be seen from many places within the city center.

San Michele in Foro:

This is another amazing church in Lucca. The special feature of this church is its facade. Above the main arches of the façade of carved and inlaid marble are four rows of ornate arches and columns that feature a number of different colors and designs. Observe the beautiful artwork above the arches depicting various wild animals, the carvings on the columns, and the stonework around the rose windows. Important artworks by Luca della Robbia and Filippino Lippi can be seen inside the church.

Piazza dell Anfiteatro:

As you walk around Lucca’s historic center, you observe an odd oval area surrounded by multi-storied buildings. This square was once a Roman Amphitheatre whose elliptical shape is still apparent. The buildings surrounding the square have been built maintaining the same shape, though of different heights and colors. The green shutters of the houses create a sense of uniformity. This place is popular with tourists and has several restaurants and bars in the square.

Torre Delle Ore:

The Torre Delle Ore is a clock tower that was part of a private structure and originally used for protection. As you climb up the tower, observe the boards displaying the history of the tower and information about the clock. The climb up is relatively easy. Take photos of Gunigi Tower from the top. The views from the top are fantastic.

Basilica of San Frediano:

This is one of only two churches in all of Tuscany with a façade decorated in mosaics. The Basilica of San Frediano is another beautiful religious structure in Lucca. The front façade contains a beautiful golden mosaic that is even now as bright as ever. Depicted in the mosaic is the Ascension of Christ with fantastic details and colors. The inside of the church is also decorated ornately. You can see the mummified body of a woman, St Zita, patron saint of Lucca, on display in a glass casket.

Acquedotto del Nottolini:

An impressive aqueduct, the Acquedotto Del Nottolini, is located just outside of the city and is more modern than the ancient Roman structures. Royal architect, Lorenzo Nottolinias completed the aqueduct in 1851. This aqueduct carried water from the mountains into the city and contained 400 arches made from stone stretching for 3km. Even today the aqueduct stands, and you can follow the structure from its beginning at the Temple cistern, to its end at the Parco dell’Acquedotto.

Piazza Napoleone:

Located at a short distance from the Piazza dell Anfiteatro, this Piazza is another beautiful open space in the historic town of Lucca. Adding to the beauty of the Piazza is the Ducale Palace with an impressive front façade. The ornate white statue of Maria Luisa is framed on three sides by a collection of trees adding to the beauty of the Piazza. Observe the glass blocks around the pizza. These were put in for the visitors to see some of the foundations of the buildings demolished in the Napoleonic era.

Where to Eat in Lucca

Lucca’s culinary scene is a delight for food lovers, offering a variety of traditional Tuscan dishes and local specialties. Some must-try dishes include:

1. Tordelli Lucchese: A type of pasta filled with meat and served with a rich meat sauce.
2. Buccellato: A sweet bread filled with raisins and aniseed, often served during festivals and special occasions.
3. Farro Soup: A hearty soup made with farro (a type of wheat), beans, and vegetables.
4. Chestnut Flour Castagnaccio: A traditional cake made with chestnut flour, pine nuts, and raisins.

For a memorable dining experience, head to one of Lucca’s many trattorias, osterias, or restaurants. Some popular options include:

1. Trattoria da Leo: A family-run restaurant serving authentic Tuscan cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
2. Osteria Miranda: Known for its delicious homemade pasta and friendly service.
3. Buca di Sant’Antonio: A historic restaurant located in a former church, offering traditional dishes and an extensive wine list.
4. Antica Drogheria: A charming spot for a quick bite or aperitivo, featuring a selection of local cheeses, meats, and wines.

Whether you’re looking for a sit-down meal or a quick snack, Lucca’s food scene has something to satisfy every craving.

The best way to explore Lucca is on foot or by bicycle as it is a pedestrian-friendly place. Walk around its narrow alleyways and cobbled streets and enjoy the street art. Lucca city, with its historical background, is like a living museum and slowly it steals your heart.

Frequently Asked Questions