In which quarter house in Lucca?

What if we go to discover Italy and Tuscany? Here's our selection of neighborhoods to stay in Lucca!

Founded in the Roman era in 217 before our era during the Second Punique War, Lucca is a city of 89,346 inhabitants (2017) spread over 185 km2. Located northwest of Tuscany in the plain of Lucca, between Monte Pizzorne and Mont Serra, it is located on the left bank of the Serchio River, 18 kilometers from Pisa . The city gained its prosperity from the silk trade, competing with Byzantine silkries in the 11th century. The capital of Tuscany in the Middle Ages – during the Republic of Lucca – it became an epicentre of Italian unification in the 19th century. Like many cities in Italy, its historical and cultural heritage is impressive, and many historical monuments – streets, museums, squares, churches, palaces, villas – scatter its territory.

The birthplace of Puccini is attended by hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. As often in Italy, renting a sleeping accommodation in Lucca can be expensive, especially during the summer. This is our mini-guide of the neighborhoods where to stay in Lucca.

Historic Centre

The town centre of Lucca was preserved from the times and was able to preserve its medieval setting dating from the 16th century, around the ramparts, immanquable from a visit to Tuscany. A quiet and quiet atmosphere reigns as a master on the alleys of the old center, inside which one enters through one of the six doors surrounding the walls. Many religious buildings, monuments and museums are to be visited, like the Church of San Michele in Foro, the Basilica of San Frediano, the Cathedral of Saint Martin and its Duomo di San Martino or the church di San Giusto, the church di San Benedetto in Gottella. No visitor can fail to take a look at the Guinigi Tower, with its garden suspended at the top planted with green oaks. Piazza del’Anfiteatro , built in the form of arena on the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre, is the main square of the city: in the adjacent streets, many historic shops will make you glean typical objects and souvenirs, and bars and restaurants allow you to taste the delights of the Italian cuisine.

Here and there, hotels allow to stay in Lucca but think about booking in advance. For museums and cultural visits, you can find the National Museum of Villa Guinigi, the Palazzo Pfanner, the Mansi Palace Museum, the historic Museum of Resistance. Staying in the old city allows you to walk everything, without losing time in transport. End of October/early November, not to miss Lucca Comics, the largest comic strip festival in Europe (second in the world after the Comiket in Tokyo).

The surroundings of Lucca

To visit the surroundings of Lucca – the city centre is a half-day tour – don’t miss the village of Moncatini Terme in the east, one of the most famous Italian thermal resorts thanks to its waters known since ancient times. Visit Montecatini Alto on the occasion to enjoy a beautiful view of Valdinievole. To the west, jump to the Nature Park Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli , and do not miss visiting the city of Pisa.

Main Photo Credit: Wikimedia – Myrabella