The 6 things to do in Lucca • Wanderlix

Are you going on vacation in Italy? Treat yourself to a stay under the Tuscan sun and discover the essential things to do when you get to visit Lucca!

Less known than its neighbours Florence or Pisa Lucca is a small jewel of Tuscany. Blocked between its walls in perfect condition of conservation, it contains many medieval wonders.

From the discovery of the churches to the visit of the Duomo San Martino dressed in marble, to a stroll along the busy streets, here are the 6 things to do in Lucca!

1. The Guinigi Tower and the Torre delle Ore

Built during the 14th century by the eponymous family, Torre Guinigi is one of the highest in the city. Culminant to 45 meters high , its top adorned with green oaks is accessible after climbing a flight of 230 steps . On arrival you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the city’s roofs and the sweet Tuscan hills.

By descending, do not miss a detour by the Torre delle Ore (turn of the clock) which stands at 50 meters high . In addition to an extraordinary panorama of Lucca, it offers you a beautiful view of the clock mechanism, which still rises by hand.

2. Walking around the ramparts

Protected by a set of fortifications in a remarkable state of conservation, the enclosure of Lucca was erected between 1505 and 1645. Mesurant 4 223 meters long , the ramparts are punctuated here and there bastions and courtines. Different doors allow you to enter inside the enclosure. Unless you'd rather go through it 12 meters high ! You will thus offer a point of view on the water mirror of the botanical garden, churches and palaces.

In the spring you will contemplate the unique spectacle of magnolias that bloom on some portions of the ramparts. Unusual, the basements of the ramparts are home to permanent art exhibitions. An essential to register urgently on your list of things to do in Lucca!

3. Piazza San Michele

Are you looking for animation? Don't miss Piazza San Michele! Built on the site of the old Roman forum, it was originally the place where business was handled, and speeches delivered. Almost 2000 years later, it is still a big activity. Join the locals in the many restaurants and taste culinary specialities in the market!

Take your walks by marking a first stop in front of the statue of Francesco Burlamacchi. Born in 1498, this lucquois politician and conspirator will experience a tragic fate. He'll be decapitated crime of lèse-majesté in 1548. Fans of old stones, for them, will mark a stop in front of the Gigli Palace, for a souvenir photo.

4. Piazza Antelminelli

Another must-see in Lucca, Piazza Antelminelli will allow you to rest a few moments away from the bustle of the city centre. As a car park for the people of the city, she found her nobility letters when she was classified as a pedestrian in 2012.

All round, the square features a small marble fountain in its centre. Cédez à la tradition Italien qui souhaitent l’on throw une coin dans la fountain des villes où l’on souhaitent retour. Sitting in the shade of the coffee terrace (there is only one, and it also makes a restaurant), contemplate the cathedral of the city and the palace with its crenate tower.

5. Religious buildings to visit in Lucca

Visiting Lucca is also pushing the door of the few places of worship that nest there. As in any Italian church, you will be asked to cover your shoulders and knees.

San Martino Cathedral

Dedicated to Saint Martin de Tours and built in the 11th century, the cathedral, also called Duomo, is a superb example of the Tuscan Romanesque style. Take the time to contemplate the exterior to imbue you with the delicateness of its marble façade.

Marked and finely waxed, the columns are a real enchantment for the eyes. 4 bas-reliefs located above the entrance gates tell you the story of Saint-Martin. Inside, you will discover refined marble floors, a highly colourful choir, an octagonal kiosk containing a crucifix of the 13th century, as well as a tomb. A must-see in Lucca!

The Church of San Michele in Foro

Dressed in the square of the same name, this church was built in the 8th century. Many sculptures were reworked in the 19th century. Romanesque style, it forms a cross and its exterior will not leave you indifferent.

With a profusion of marble and sculptures, the façade is dominated by a statue of Saint Michel Archangel and another of the Virgin. Inside, you will contemplate various works including a painting by the Virgin to the Child of Della Robbia, the tomb of a bishop and a superb high-relief.

The church Santi Giovanni e Reparata

Located in the heart of Santi Giovanni Square, this church was born in the fifth century. It will undergo several changes from the Middle Ages, which will give it its current aspect. Far from the tide of many Italian churches, this one is sober, stripped.

It is possible to climb to the top of the bell tower to offer a view of choice on the city, including the circular fountain of Piazza Antelminelli. Look in the direction of the church of San Michele in Foro: you will notice a strange flight of steps on the back of its façade.

Basilica San Frediano

Another impossible to visit in Lucca, the Basilica is one of the oldest religious buildings in the city. The colourful mosaic fronton strongly contrasts with the white marble façade. Just as spectacular, the ceiling of the chapel also deserves a detour. The interior of the building houses some paintings, statues and a very beautiful carved altar.

6. Palaces to visit in Lucca

What would be Italy without its palazzis? Lucca has some beautiful examples to visit without moderation.

The Palazzo Pfanner

The first palace in Lucca, Palazzo Pfanner is located on the edge of the fortified enclosure. Don’t forget your camera! Its Italian garden that connects the walls to the palace is a true splendor, with its magnolias and fruit trees.

You will then discover a beautiful stone building whose construction began in 1667. Pass the entrance and atrium to contemplate the exterior staircase.

The Palazzo Mansi

This former palace acquired by the Mansi family in 1616 is today a pinacoteca. It retains the Baroque style codes and is representative of the residences of merchant families of the time. This museum-residence houses various collections of tapestries, paintings and weaving. To be done in Lucca!

The Palazzo Ducale

Located in Piazza Napoleone, this imposing palace has undergone several reconstructions over time. If the exterior remains rather austere, do not fail to penetrate inside to take full measure of its size. You will discover courses and porticoes, a monumental staircase, statues and a Flemish painting in the General Council Chamber.

To see and to do also in Lucca

Despite this long list, you still wonder what to do in Lucca? Here are other ideas to complete your stay:

• The BD Festival: nothing less than the largest in Europe, it takes place late October or early November ;
• Taste the fcaccia and cantucci: nature or rosemary, the focaccia will fill your little hunger. You will complete this snack with cantucci, biscuits with tasty almonds;
• The botanical gardenOpen to: first day of spring, it offers a calm and fresh parenthesis to travellers;
• Nottolini Aqueduct: in neoclassical style, it extends over 3 kilometres near Lucca;
• The Museo del Motore a Scoppio: the internal combustion engine museum will delight mechanical sports enthusiasts;
• The Devil Bridge : 30 kilometers north of Lucca, it engrossses the Serchio River and unveils a bucolic walk.

How to go to Lucca?

Several options are available to you to visit Lucca.

By plane

There is no airport in Lucca, the nearest one is in Pisa. After landing at the Galileo Galilei airport in Pisa San Gusto, you will take the extra-urban line served by North CTT Vaibus. Count 1 hour and 3 euros to get to Lucca.

Another possibility, longer this one, connect Florence from Orly Airport, then reach Lucca by bus with Vaibus or C.A.P Consorzio Autolinee Pratesi ( 1h10 on average). To find cheap flights to Lucca, use a flight comparison as Skyscanner .

By car

It is possible to reach Lucca from France by the wheel of your own car or thanks to a rental car. You'll park it on the pitches free outside the old town or on the numerous paid parking lots.

By train

You can train Lucca from Florence or Pisa. The train station is Piazzale Bettino Ricasoli, a few minutes walk from the ramparts.

Lucca being a small town, you can easily visit it on foot. The bike is also a good alternative to explore the cyclable track of the ramparts or to discover the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

Where to stay in Lucca?

The offer of accommodation is not very important in Lucca, so you will have to book your nights in advance . Using one Compare hotels , you will find several types of accommodation according to your budget. For more authenticity, opt for a rental Airbnb .