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Latest update: 20 June 2023
In theory, the Italian city of Lucca (in Tuscany) is small enough for a day trip. However, in reality, a day is much too short. Because yes, in a day, I get a reasonable idea of the city, but I now want to visit again to really get to know this orange and red-colored town. So, if you only have a few hours too, these are Lucca’s highlights.
Visit Lucca: the city of churches and city walls
Lucca is the provincial capital of the province of Lucca. A visit to the city usually mainly takes place within the ancient city walls. The Renaissance city walls enclose the small cobbled streets and the many squares. Lucca is called the city of 100 churches. Well, a hundred isn’t exactly true. There are fewer of them, but still a lot. One former bishop alone had 28 churches built – one per year. But there’s more to do in Lucca! Let’s see what you shouldn’t miss when you visit Lucca.
City walking tour in Lucca
The local tourist office organizes a daily city walk through Lucca in the summer months. For only € 15, a professional guide shows you around Lucca for about two hours. You’ll cover the city’s main sights, get a lot of information about the city, and many tips for restaurants and the lesser-known sights.
Especially in the high season, it is wise to reserve a spot in advance for the city tour in Lucca. Book here.
Admire Lucca from the city walls
The city walls of Lucca form the enclosure of the medieval part of the city. There are six entrance gates in the walls. The city walls of Lucca were intended as defensive walls but were never needed as such. However, thanks to the walls, Lucca was once saved from a flood. Over the years, the city walls were constantly moved as the city kept expanding. We are now at wall number four, which dates from the 16th century. Nowadays you can walk or cycle on the city walls (rent a bicycle here). They are about 4 kilometers long and popular with tourists, joggers, and dog walkers. You can “secretly” peek into the gardens of the giant houses within the city wall from the city wall.
At various points near the city wall, you can rent a bike and go for a ride. I thought Lucca was fine on foot, so I skipped that. Perhaps you could go on a bike tour with Baja Bikes if you skip the walking tour. This also allows you to visit all the other sights too.
Visit Lucca Cathedral
Lucca’s cathedral is called the Duomo San Martino. It is a massive cathedral in which you can discover many different architectural styles. The duomo of Lucca took almost three centuries to build, so you can see the various zeitgeists in the building.
The attentive viewer also sees that the building isn’t quite right. One of the arches is a lot smaller than the other two. This is where the builders got in trouble with the available space during construction. Oops, mistake! There should also have been a top or tower on top of the cathedral.
You can visit the cathedral for a small fee. Inside are several works of art, and there is another separate museum. You can either visit all of it or just parts. Keep that in mind when you buy a ticket.
Opera in Lucca – Giacomo Puccini
The famous opera writer Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca. I say famous, but I only went to an opera for the first time in 2020, so I don’t really know what I’m talking about. However, that is precisely why a Museo della Casa di Giacorno Puccini tour might be a good idea. You get to learn more about his life and work. Or even visit the opera!
Meanwhile, Mr. Puccini is having fun chilling on a square…
Google Maps location
Aperitivo in the former amphitheater of Lucca
At first glance, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro may just seem like a beautiful, grand square full of lovely outdoor cafes. There used to be an amphitheater here, but there is little left of it today. But there is little left of it today. The square has an oval shape as the amphitheater had. At that time, there was space for as many as 10,000 people. Later on, people moved into apartments on the square, and now it is populated by bars, restaurants, and shops. It is a pleasant place to sit down for an aperitivo.
Google Maps location
Climbing Torre Guinigi in Lucca
The Torre Guinigi is a unique tower: the roof grows 7 oak trees of no less than 45 meters. But why, you ask? It assured the Guinigi family that they owned the highest tower in the city. You are allowed to climb the 230 steps of the building. Especially on a clear day, you get a great view of the city.
Mosaic of the Basilica di San Frediano
The Basilica of San Frediano is especially interesting because of the beautiful mosaic on the front facade. Especially when the sun shines on it, the gold sparkles. But wait, front facade? This used to be the back facade. Eventually, it got reversed so that the beautiful back facade is clearly visible and doesn’t face the wall.
Basilica San Michele in Foro in Lucca
Another church in Lucca! What makes this church special are the five layers (galleries) at the front. You will discover all kinds of styles, shapes, and lots of marble – everything is made out of marble. You can visit the basilica for free.
How do you get to Lucca?
Lucca is easily accessible both by train and by car. Find train and bus tickets at Omio or bus tickets for longer distances on Busbud.com.
You can park for free in many places in Lucca. Most free parking spaces are within walking distance of the historic center. Check the overview of free parking spaces in Lucca on Google Maps.
Are you still looking for a rental car? I recommend Sunny Cars: all-inclusive, no hassle. EasyTerra is another good option.
You can’t fly to Lucca, but you can fly to Pisa. That is about half an hour by train or car. Check the flight options on Skyscanner, Kiwi, or Momondo, for example.
First published: August 2020. Updated since!
