Within the massive Renaissance era walls that delimit the city of Lucca, visitors will encounter well-preserved Romanesque churches, medieval towers, spacious piazzas and stone streets lined with pastel coloured buildings.
Originally constructed to defend the city, the walls that surround Lucca were never breached. Today the ramparts have been transformed into a green space, where you can walk, jog or cycle. Strolling along the pathways on top of the walls is a great way to get to know the city and the full loop is only 4 kilometres (2.8 miles) long.
The majority of the city’s narrow roads are off limits to motorised vehicles, making them ideal for walking. Most roads terminate in piazzas, which are Lucca’s social centres. Be sure to visit Piazza Anfiteatro. This plaza was built at the former site of a Roman amphitheatre, which accounts for its unique ovoid shape.
On the Piazza San Michelle, see the 12th-century Church of San Michelle. Meander through the luxurious garden of the 17th-century Palazzo Pfanner.
Lucca’s skyline used to be crowded with medieval towers, but today only a few of these structures are still standing. Of the remaining towers, two can be climbed. The Clock Tower (Torre delle Ore) offers exceptional views of the city. The Guinigi Tower has a unique rooftop oak tree garden.
Giacamo Puccini, one of the most famous Italian composers, was born in Lucca. Opera enthusiasts should tour the house where Puccini was born and raised, the grand Casa Natale di Giacomo Puccini. In July or August, attend a performance of one of his operas at the two-month long Puccini Festival.
Contemporary music fans should go to the Lucca Summer Festival. This festival is held in Piazza Napoleone and attracts some of the best rock and pop musicians in the world.
Lucca is located just 85 kilometres (52 miles) west of Florence and is a little under an hour’s drive from Pisa. Lucca is the ideal base for those who want to explore the Tuscan countryside.