A city full of art, magnificent legends, rich history, cultural wonders, and many charms, Lucca is a hidden gem in the middle of Tuscany in Italy. Protected by Renaissance walls, this city preserves its most precious treasures waiting to be discovered.
Lucca has plenty to offer for history buffs, foodies, spiritual seekers, and anyone who wants to soak up the beauty of Italy. Whether you plan to stay in Lucca for a few hours or several days, here are some things to do for a memorable experience that will leave you wanting more.
Explore the Historic Walls of Lucca
Lucca’s fantastic walls are a source of pride for the city. Transformed into a park filled with trees, it makes for the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll or bike ride. The walls stretch 4 km (approx. 2.49 miles) and offer a panoramic view of the city’s gardens and hidden treasures, all while providing a peaceful atmosphere.
Did you know that besides being able to walk on the walls, they can also be explored from the inside? Here, you can observe their structure and often find some temporary sculptures.
Immerse Yourself in Culture at Lucca’s Impressive Cathedral and Churches
Lucca is known as the “city of 100 churches” due to the abundance of churches located throughout the city. When visiting Lucca, one of the top attractions is exploring the main churches, including the San Martino Cathedral, which features the remarkable Volto Santo sculpture. Additionally, the San Michele church, situated in the heart of the city, is notable for its stunning facade. Another church worth admiring is the San Frediano church, which boasts impressive mosaics on its facade and overlooks the beautiful San Frediano square.
Discover its Magnificent Squares
The charming narrow streets of Lucca will guide you to its splendid squares, each one featuring a unique attraction. These squares are perfect spots to take a break, savor a coffee or aperitif (typically an alcoholic drink that’s normally served before a meal to stimulate the appetite), and appreciate their stunning beauty. Let’s begin our tour with Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a unique oval-shaped square that sits on the remains of a Roman amphitheater. It’s a beautiful spot that exudes history and a special atmosphere. Next up is Piazza Napoleone, which boasts an elegant vibe and sits in front of the grand Palazzo Ducale. We’ll then head to the lively Piazza San Michele, adorned with the stunning San Michele church and surrounding palaces. Lastly, we’ll visit the charming Piazza San Frediano, where we can admire the breathtaking mosaics on the façade of the San Frediano church.
Indulge in Authentic Tuscan Cuisine at Local Trattorias
Experiencing the gastronomy of a destination is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable ways to explore it. Along with gaining knowledge about the history and culture, you also get to taste the local flavors. In Lucca, the historic trattorias serve as the perfect gateway to the culinary culture of the region. They use high-quality ingredients to prepare delicious dishes that will satisfy your taste buds. We highly recommend Trattoria Da Giulio, Buca di Sant’Antonio, and Trattoria Da Leo among the many trattorias that offer the best of Lucca’s cuisine.
Climb the Main Towers of Lucca
If you climb the main towers of Lucca, you’ll enjoy a unique perspective of the city and stunning panoramic views. From up high, you can admire the beautiful squares, unique tiled roofs, and gorgeous architecture. The top two towers to climb are the Torre Guinigi and the Torre delle Ore, each with its unique history and features. The Guinigi Tower boasts trees at the top, while the Torre delle Ore has a bell that rings to announce the time.
With its timeless walls embracing centuries of history, its charming cobblestone streets inviting us to wander aimlessly, and its warm-hearted locals eager to share their stories, Lucca will leave an indelible mark on your heart. Whether you go seeking art, history, or simply a taste of authentic Italian life, Lucca will give you more than you can possibly imagine.
Thank you to my guest blog contributor, Food & Travel Writer, Yareli Parra. She currently lives in Lucca and founded the blog, “Wandering & Tasting”. Check out her blog at wanderingandtasting.com and her amazing photography on Instagram @yareliparramora.
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