Discover Lucca and Surroundings: Must-See Places

Lucca is a jewel city that reveals itself to visitors little by little. The first glimpse is offered by the 16th-century walls still perfectly preserved that embrace the historic center and provide a 4 km long walk.

Made up of tree-lined avenues, staircases, and green squares, they are one of the favorite places for the people of Lucca to walk or bike, jog, relax a little, spying from above at palaces and courtyards, cobblestone streets, vegetable gardens, and gardens.

What to see and do in Lucca for those who don’t have time

The visit can begin from the beautiful Piazza Napoleone, established in the nineteenth century, also called Piazza Grande, where the Palazzo Ducale overlooks, marked by large courtyards and richly decorated halls.

A few hundred meters away, to the east, rises the Cathedral of San Martino, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, with its façade of multiform columns and the portal adorned with wonderful bas-reliefs. Inside it houses unique treasures, such as the Volto Santo, a wooden crucifix from the 10th century by an unknown author, and the fifteenth-century funerary monument to Ilaria del Carretto, a work by Jacopo della Quercia.

Another monument especially dear to the people of Lucca is the Church of San Michele in Foro, whose façade of white limestone, enlivened by rich Romanesque-style decorations, floods the beautiful square with light, where you can find local shops and ancient craft stores selling typical products. Just a few steps away, in the maze of little streets, appear the square with the monument and the house-museum (currently under restoration) of the great musician Giacomo Puccini, the most famous person from Lucca worldwide.

And heading east, via Fillungo, the main artery, long and narrow, lined with elegant shops (famous are the goldsmiths; goldsmithing has a long and prestigious tradition in Lucca) and historic venues like the Caffè di Simo. Walking along via Fillungo is particularly pleasant and relaxing and allows you to experience firsthand the good taste and art of living well in this city. The street also leads to the spectacular Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, which has retained its unique elliptical shape through the centuries, also used in cinema and advertising, and to the square with the Basilica of San Frediano, whose white marble façade is dominated by a splendid Byzantine-style mosaic (13th century), depicting the Ascension of Christ.

Among the wonders of Lucca are also the towers, which allow you to discover it from above, revealing breathtaking views and dizzying perspectives. It is definitely worth climbing the Palazzo Guinigi tower, called the tree tower because of the characteristic centuries-old holm oaks that adorn its top, or the Torre delle Ore, where a large 18th-century clock stands out, whose mechanism (visible at the top) is connected to the bells. And then there are events like the Lucca Summer Festival and Lucca Comics & Games.

If you are looking for what to do and see in Lucca in one day, you are in the right place. This article will guide you through a carefully designed itinerary to allow you to discover and enjoy the best of everything Lucca has to offer.

What to see and do in Lucca: one-day itinerary

Although you only need one day to see the attractions of Lucca, don’t think there’s not much to see in this charming Tuscan city. The historic center of the city is so compact that none of the best places to visit in Lucca are too far away. With a day in the city, you can see everything Lucca has to offer in its historic center.

However, before moving on to our Lucca itinerary, we just wanted to remind you to purchase travel insurance. You never know what will happen and, believe us, you don’t want to find yourself having to pay thousands of dollars in medical bills. As a wise man says, “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.”

Cathedral of San Martino

Within the walls of Lucca there are many historic churches, but the Cathedral of San Martino is the one that stands out. Also known as the Lucca Cathedral, it is not as tall as the main cathedrals of Siena and Florence but makes a great impression with its grand Gothic architecture and the combination of marble and brick. It also boasts a grand marble atrium inside and an incredible level of detail everywhere, such as stone sculptures and intricate painting on the façade. Don’t miss the climb up the bell tower to enjoy your first view over all of Lucca.

The Duomo sacristy has been converted into a museum to better preserve the famous funerary monument of Ilaria del Carretto, by Jacopo della Quercia, previously kept in the Duomo transept. In the sacristy you can also see the altar piece by Domenico Ghirlandaio Madonna with Child and Saints.

Adjacent is the Lucca Cathedral Museum. The Cathedral Museum was created in 1992 to house both the furnishings made since the early Middle Ages for the solemn liturgical functions of the Cathedral and the sculptural and pictorial works that, removed from their original location for conservation reasons or replaced by more modern authors, lay, little accessible to view, in the deposits or sacristy.

Napoleone Square

Given the compact nature of the city center, Napoleone Square almost seems too large. Lined with trees and often with a carousel or various seasonal festivals and events, this wide square is a lively place for locals to meet. It is also hard to miss the Ducal Palace, a Renaissance palace that now houses various administrative bodies.

San Michele Square

Walking through the streets of Lucca, you might get the impression that the city is not as grand as its Tuscan neighbors. This impression will change once you reach San Michele Square. This L-shaped square is full of charming architecture, including the Pretorio Palace, converted banks, and in particular, the Church of San Michele in Foro. Taking the center of the square, this white marble basilica has a steep façade full of columns and statues.

Guinigi Tower

One of the most distinctive features of Lucca are the numerous medieval towers in its historic center. Many of these towers can be climbed and have panoramic terraces offering you views over the rooftops of Lucca. Each of these towers has its particular heritage, but the most iconic is definitely the Guinigi Tower.

What makes this red brick tower so interesting are the oaks sprouting from its roof. It is quite a special feeling to sit in the shade of these trees on the narrow roof while looking at Lucca. However, the Guinigi Tower is best appreciated from a bit further away. For a great view of the city including Guinigi Tower, instead climb the Torre delle Ore.

Amphitheater Square

Among the numerous squares in Lucca’s historic center, none is as distinctive as Amphitheater Square. It has an unusual oval shape similar to that of an arena, and the houses around its edges create a complete ring. The shape makes sense once you discover that an ancient Roman amphitheater once stood here.

Entering the square through one of the tunnels at the ends, you will pass outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants that fill the space. The traditional buildings curve gradually around you in an intriguing way, and it is a fun challenge to try to get them all in one photograph.

City Walls

After having seen them throughout the day, now you can check the imposing walls of the city of Lucca up close. Find the city gate nearest to you, which will probably be the Porta Santa Maria if you entered through the Porta di Borgo. After taking the nearby ramp, you can start the path along the track that is so popular among runners and cyclists. Walking along the track allows you to admire not only these ancient walls, but also the views inside and outside the city.

You might be surprised to discover that these walls built in the 16th and 17th centuries were designed by none other than Leonardo da Vinci. Stretching for about 4 kilometers, they were built to replace the old medieval and Roman city walls. When they were no longer strategically useful, the walls became a green recreational space as they are today.

Pfanner Palace

The historic district of Lucca hosts many palaces, some of which can actually be visited. The most worthy of a visit is Pfanner Palace at the northern end of the city. You can see not only the interior of this 17th-century palace, but also its garden, which is what most visitors enthusiastically talk about. Leaving the palace, you descend a covered staircase adorned into this elegant sculpture garden with a fountain and lush vegetation.

Puccini Museum

Probably Lucca’s most famous son is the renowned opera composer Giacomo Puccini. The Birthplace Museum is located in the apartment on the second floor of an ancient building in the heart of the city of Lucca, where Giacomo Puccini was born on December 22, 1858. In this house, the composer lived all the years of his childhood and early youth, the years of familiarization with music and systematic studies, before moving to Milan, where in 1884 he began the operatic career that made him one of the most famous and beloved composers in history.

The Birthplace, transformed into a museum in 1979, was reopened to the public on September 13, 2011, after important restoration works, which brought the apartment back to its original arrangement, and a radical renewal of the exhibition. The exhibitions in the Puccini Museum include rooms with their original furnishings, including the piano with which Puccini composed, as well as paintings and preliminary sketches of his work.

10 things to see in Lucca in two, three or more days

Although you can comfortably cover the highlights of Lucca in one day, you might want to spend more time there. Besides exploring every nook and cranny of the city, you can use Lucca as a base to explore the surrounding countryside. Here are some options if you have more than 24 hours in Lucca.

1 Baptistery and Church of Ss. Giovanni and Reparata

The church has been opened as a museum to allow visits to the historical stratifications with remains of various buildings dating from the 1st century BC to the 12th century AD, brought to light by an excavation campaign started in 1969.

2 Natural History Cabinet of the Machiavelli High School

It houses the naturalistic collections of the old University of Lucca: minerals, fossils, shells, insects, birds, scientific instruments.

3 Roman Domus Lucca “House of the Boy on the Dolphin”

The House of the Boy on the Dolphin, Roman Domus from the 1st century BC, was discovered in 2010 during renovation works of the basement of Palazzo Orsucci in the city center of Lucca. The site, besides shedding light on an important page of Lucca’s Roman history, presents significant architectural evidence from the Lombard, medieval, and Renaissance periods: in a single room, it is possible to admire the evolution of construction techniques over 2000 years. Objects of daily life and votive nature were found. Among the most valuable are: a bronze fibula from the Augustan age; a sestertius minted by Emperor Tiberius in 14 AD; a terracotta frieze from which the Domus takes its name, depicting two putti riding two dolphins towards the head of a gorgon.

4 Lucca Botanical Garden and Cesare Bicchi Botanical Museum

Established by the wish of Maria Luisa of Bourbon, the Botanical Garden experienced a period of crisis from the First World War until the 1950s, when the Municipal Administration began its recovery and enhancement. Since 1974, the Garden has resumed all its institutional functions. It conserves several thousand plant species from the Mediterranean area. Attached to the Botanical Garden is the Cesare Bicchi Botanical Museum, currently closed to the public because it is undergoing cataloging. It houses historic herbaria (Puccinelli, Bicchi, and others).

5 Historical Museum of the Liberation (1943-1945)

The museum is currently closed, being rearranged in another location. It collects various materials relating to the liberation war in the Lucchese area. The entrance hall illustrates the Russian campaign (1941-1943). The first room witnesses the period 1938-1943. It holds documents related to racial laws, Italian Army officer uniforms, photographs of the destructions suffered by Italian cities, maps showing the locations of all prison camps. The second room collects relics and photographs of religious figures killed by the Nazis. The third room, the largest in the museum, presents numerous display cases housing relics of the Italian Liberation Corps and the Allied Expeditionary Corps that participated in the liberation of Italy during 1943-1945, also exhibiting a rich collection of photographs. Finally, the fourth room shows the contribution of the citizens of Lucca to the liberation of the territory of the province of Lucca.

6 Paolo Cresci Museum for the history of Italian emigration

The “other” history, the history of emigration, which also represents an important part of Italian history, still needs to be fully written and promoted. From these considerations arose the need to create an exhibition space of the Foundation, aiming to showcase the extraordinary documents and the most significant photographs from the Cresci Archive, and to offer visitors the chance to trace the migratory experience through its stages and vicissitudes. In a path capable of intriguing even foreign visitors, historical films play a crucial role, for the emotion that only images can evoke in hearts. Thus, a multimedia space has been set up where, in addition to interviews with emigrants created by the Foundation, some historical films are projected.

7 Italian Museum of Comics and Imagery of Lucca

The museum’s purpose is to preserve and make available to the public the heritage collected (about 30,000 original boards and sketches and about 500,000 albums and magazines) during the activity, started in 1965, of the Lucca International Comics Salon. The material is exhibited on rotation, but complete consultation is possible through computerized stations. Multimedia projections and virtual appearances of illustrators telling their work let visitors take a true journey into the history and world of comics.

8 Palazzo Mansi Museum

The National Museum of Palazzo Mansi, a true residence museum, represents an exemplary document of the homes of Lucca’s merchants. Transformed at the end of the 17th century by the Mansi family, which owned it, into a “representative palace” and furnished according to prevailing Baroque taste, today it stands as an important example of a “museum within a museum”. In the rooms of this typical Lucchese residence, which preserves much of the original furniture and a precious cycle of Brussels-made tapestries, the Art Gallery with paintings from Italian and other schools from the 16th to the 18th century is kept. On the second floor, sections dedicated to the 19th and 20th centuries are arranged, and in the rooms that housed the palace kitchens is the Maria Niemack rustic weaving workshop displaying 19th-20th century looms and tools.
The building: Palazzo Mansi
The Palace encompasses the centuries-old history of the eponymous family which, from the 16th century onwards, was able to diversify its interests by adding commercial initiatives to the traditional agricultural and land-based activities, greatly increasing economic fortune and social prestige. Late 16th-century in design, the product of uniting pre-existing tower houses, the palace was bought in 1616 by Ascanio Mansi. In the renovation commissioned by Raffaello Mansi to Lucchese architect Raffaello Mazzanti and carried out between 1686 and 1691, the interiors of the noble floor were refurbished in a sumptuous Baroque style, with frescoes extolling or alluding in various ways to the family’s glory. Further recovery and modernization interventions were made by Luigi Mansi in the 18th century. The palace was sold to the State in 1965 and opened as a National Museum in 1977.

9 National Museum of Villa Guinigi

The National Museum of Villa Guinigi is the museum of the city and its territory, exhibiting one of the richest and most interesting collections of artworks produced for Lucca by Lucchese or foreign artists working in the city for ecclesiastical and secular patrons. The main core of the collections dates back to the expropriation of ecclesiastical goods before and after the unification of Italy, to which have been added finds from excavations in the city, new acquisitions, gifts, and deposits from various entities. In the halls of the Villa, which was the residence of Paolo Guinigi, lord of Lucca from 1400 to 1430, in Late Gothic style, the history of the city is retraced: the route starts from the 8th century BC with the archaeological collection, reaching the 18th century mainly with sacred-themed works. The National Museum of Villa Guinigi is located in the northeast area of the city of Lucca, outside the 13th-century city walls and later encompassed by the 16th-century walls. The Villa, one of the oldest and most prestigious palaces in the city, was built starting in 1413 by Paolo Guinigi, lord of Lucca until 1430. Born as a suburban villa and summer representative residence, the building was surrounded by the large enclosed garden of which only a portion remains today, overlooking which are the main facade with the long loggia. After Guinigi’s death, the building suffered serious damage until in 1924 it was designated to house the various civic city collections as a Civic Museum. In 1948 it was handed over to the State which undertook the restoration of the building and the new arrangement of the works. It was inaugurated as a National Museum in 1968.

10 State Library of Lucca

The State Library of Lucca, now housed in the former Convent of S. Maria Corteorlandini of the Order of the Regular Clerics of the Mother of God, originated from the Library of the Lateran Canons of S. Frediano, established in the 17th century by Abbot Girolamo Minutoli. In 1791 it was granted the printing right for Lucca by the Lucchese Republic along with an annual allowance for book purchases, and in 1794 it was opened to the public.

In 1877, following the substantial acquisition of the funds of suppressed ecclesiastical libraries, the Library was moved to the current building. The historic library of the Order of Regular Clerics was incorporated, arranged, as it is today, in the magnificent monumental Baroque Hall located on the top floor.

What to see around Lucca

1. Serchio Valley

Just north of Lucca there is a deep hilly area that adds quite a bit of atmosphere to the city’s landscape. But instead of just being a background, this region hosts the steep and picturesque Serchio Valley. Along this river valley there are picturesque villages, such as Bagni di Lucca, and beautiful bridges like the Ponte della Maddalena, which have crossed the Serchio River for centuries.

2. Pisa

Pisa, famous for its Leaning Tower, is another excellent option for a day trip from Lucca. You can reach Pisa by train in less than an hour, making it a very accessible destination. Once in Pisa, you will have the chance to explore the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery. If you have time, you could also visit other attractions in Pisa, such as the Palazzo della Carovana and the National Museum of San Matteo.

3. Lucchese Hills and the Wine Route

The hills surrounding Lucca are famous for their rolling vineyards and picturesque farms. This area is known as the Lucchese Hills and hosts the Wine Route. Along this route, you will have the opportunity to visit local wineries, taste Tuscan wines, and enjoy the beauty of the Tuscan countryside. Some wineries also offer tours and tastings, which can be an excellent way to deepen your knowledge of Tuscan wine.

4. Garfagnana

If you are a nature lover, a trip to the Garfagnana region could be the perfect day trip from Lucca. This mountainous area north of Lucca offers a multitude of outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing, and cycling. Moreover, Garfagnana is famous for its culinary specialties, including cheeses, cured meats, mushrooms, and tasty soups of the Lucchese area.

5. Montecatini Terme

For a relaxing experience, consider a visit to Montecatini Terme. This spa town is famous for its healing thermal waters and offers a number of spas and wellness centers. You could spend the day soaking in thermal pools, enjoying spa treatments, or simply relaxing in one of its beautiful parks.

The best time to visit Lucca

To make the most of a visit to Lucca, it is important to carefully plan the timing of your trip. The best time to visit Lucca depends on the type of climate you prefer, how crowded you like your destinations, and how it fits into your travel schedule.

The high season throughout Tuscany, including Lucca, runs from June to August. Although Lucca is not as crowded as Florence or Rome, summer is still the peak season here, which means more expensive accommodations and longer lines. The region’s climate also becomes quite hot in summer. Naturally, in December, January, and February, the city is cold and somewhat rainy, and some attractions (such as the Guinigi Tower) are closed for the winter.

The shoulder season is a much better time to see the best of Lucca. Spring (April and May) or autumn (September and October) are ideal, with pleasant temperatures and little rain. Additionally, you won’t have to compete with many other tourists to see Lucca’s attractions.

The months of April, May, June, September, and October are the perfect time to visit Lucca. The weather is warm and pleasant, not hot, and there are fewer tourists.

The Luminara of Santa Croce, the largest religious festival of the year, takes place on September 13.

How to reach Lucca

Lucca is easily reachable by both car and train. The central train station of Lucca is located just outside the city’s medieval walls. You will be in the heart of the city center in less than 5 minutes. If you plan to travel by train in Italy, book tickets in advance (they are cheaper if you buy early). Check schedules and book train tickets online on the official Trenitalia website.

If you arrive by car, it is better to park outside the city walls. Parking is much cheaper and it is also possible to find free parking. Additionally, most of Lucca’s historic center is ZTL (restricted traffic zone).

Regarding arrival by plane, the closest airport to the city is Pisa International Airport. To get to Lucca, first take the Pisa mover from the airport to Pisa’s central train station. From there, take a train to Lucca (30 minutes journey).

How to get around Lucca

During your visit to Lucca, you will mainly get around on foot, as it is a compact city. About half of the streets in the city center are pedestrian-only, so walking is the easiest way to reach many places. Although the historic center is a maze, its enormous surrounding walls make it easy to orient yourself.

You do have alternatives to walking, of course, such as cycling along the path on top of the city walls. There is also the simpler approach of taking a bus. Due to the very narrow streets, however, only a few buses operate within the city. There are more bus lines outside the city walls, such as the ring route around the bypass. Bus tickets start from €1.50 for a single 70-minute pass.

Driving within the city walls of Lucca is mainly limited to locals with permits. If you drive, your best option is to park outside the city walls. If you are staying overnight in Lucca, ask your hotel where you should park, or find a parking lot near the city gate closest to your hotel.

What to Buy in Lucca

Besides manners and good etiquette, the people of Lucca are masters of living well, an aspect that also translates into a love for beautiful things and quality shopping, found throughout the historic center in boutiques, shops, and ateliers of established excellence.

A timeless address for clothing, leather gloves, silk scarves, hats of various styles, and the most prestigious brands is, for example, Santi-Guerrieri, at via Calderia 7, just steps from the church of San Michele, whose signs date back to 1870.

The large external windows form almost a gallery, while inside stand out the period furnishings, with walnut burl shelves and crystal, full of hats that almost reach the ceiling. Staying on the theme of clothing, it is worth paying a visit to the tailor Piero Ricci’s atelier, at via Burlamacchi 18, tel.0583.587810, a legendary place on the first floor of a sixteenth-century building, with rooms opening one into another like Chinese boxes.

Among frescoed ceilings, gilded mirrors, immense drop chandeliers, velvet sofas, and antique furniture, there are mannequins, fitting spaces, fabric samples signed by designers, and airy dresses, exclusive and sought-after creations, which the owner leaves somewhat everywhere, in only apparent disorder, so that ladies can touch and try them at will.

Those who love jewelry, especially antique pieces, find a small mecca at Gioielleria Carli, at via Fillungo 95, tel. 0583.491119, with beautiful liberty-style signs and characteristic dark wooden display cases, where classy bijoux peek out, rows of rings with large stones, necklaces, and jewel sets. At no.18 of the same street, Chiocchetti‘s window, tel.0583.493179, shows collections of silver and jewelry with pearls and precious stones of artisanal workmanship.

Those who love design and the creativity of young designers only need to visit the small workshop with a laboratory of Stefano Pedonesi, at no.3 via del Palazzo Dipinto, where the owner himself brings to life rings, necklaces, and pendants in precious materials that echo the canons of pop art. Or the workshop of Isa Zini, in piazza Anfiteatro 32, tel. 0583.492324, with jewels of essential, almost primitive shapes, the result of careful research and attentive experimentation.

How many days in Lucca

Is one day in Lucca enough?

One day in Lucca is more than enough to visit the historic center. You will have enough time to climb the Guinigi Tower and the Clock Tower, visit the cathedral, and even the two palaces.

I only have half a day, what should I do?

If you have less than a day in Lucca, skip the churches (except the Duomo) and only climb the Guinigi Tower. If you have to choose between Palazzo Pfanner and the National Museum of Palazzo Mansi, choose the latter. It is much more interesting and beautiful!

Where to Stay in Lucca

Although it is possible to see Lucca on a day trip from Florence, you might want to spend one or two nights there, given its wide selection of accommodations and how easy it is to figure out where to stay in Lucca. To make the most of your visit, you will want to stay inside the city walls (or immediately outside them), which is definitely where you will find the best places to stay in Lucca.

If you are looking for a special place, consider Alla Corte degli Angeli for your stay. This four-star boutique hotel has plenty of character, attentive staff, and cozy room decor.

If you want to enjoy your time in Lucca without spending too much, the B&B Anfiteatro is a great choice. This bed and breakfast on the outer ring of Piazza dell’Anfiteatro offers spacious rooms and a fantastic breakfast.

Unfortunately, Lucca does not offer many solutions for backpackers and budget travelers. However, there are some cheaper places to stay, like Affittacamera Luce. Although it is a bit outside the city walls, this guesthouse makes up for it with friendly hosts and nice rooms.

For more accommodation options in Lucca, check Booking.com. This site consistently offers the best rates and its customer service is impeccable.