Discover Lucca and Surroundings: Must-See Places

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

Moved by tree-lined avenues, staircases, and green squares, they are one of the favorite places for the people of Lucca to walk on foot or by bicycle, jog, relax a bit, spying from above on buildings and courtyards, cobbled streets, vegetable gardens, and gardens.

What to see and do in Lucca for those who have no time

The visit can start from the beautiful Piazza Napoleone, of nineteenth-century design, also called Piazza Grande, overlooking the Palazzo Ducale, marked by large courtyards and richly decorated rooms.

A few hundred meters away, to the east, rises the Cathedral of San Martino, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, with its facade of multiform columns and a 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 particularly dear to the people of Lucca is the Church of San Michele in Foro, whose facade of white limestone, decorated with rich Romanesque style decorations, floods the beautiful square with light, where there are local shops and ancient stalls selling typical products. A few steps away, in the maze of alleys, appear the square with the monument and the house-museum (currently under renovation) of the great musician Giacomo Puccini, the most famous Luccan in the world.

And to the east, via Fillungo, the central artery, long and narrow, lined with elegant shops (famous are the goldsmiths, Lucca has an ancient and prestigious tradition of goldworking) and historic venues such as the Caffè di Simo. Walking along via Fillungo is particularly pleasant and relaxing, and allows you to experience the good taste and art of good living in this city firsthand. The street also leads to the spectacular piazza dell’Anfiteatro, which has maintained its unique elliptical shape over the centuries, also exploited by cinema and advertising, and the square with the Basilica of San Frediano, whose white marble facade 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 sights. It is definitely worth climbing the one at Palazzo Guinigi, called the tree-lined tower due to the characteristic centuries-old holm oaks adorning its top or the clock tower, 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 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 studied 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 isn’t 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 is 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 person says, “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.”

San Martino Cathedral

Inside the walls of Lucca, there are many historic churches, but the San Martino Cathedral 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 bricks. It also boasts a large marble atrium inside and an incredible level of detail everywhere, such as stone sculptures and intricate painting on the facade. Don’t miss the climb to the bell tower to enjoy your first view over all of Lucca.

The Duomo sacristy has been transformed into a museum to allow better preservation of the famous funerary monument of Ilaria del Carretto, a work by Jacopo della Quercia, previously kept in the Duomo transept. Also visible in the sacristy is the altarpiece 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 created 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 up-to-date authors, lay, hardly visible, in storage or in the sacristy.

Napoleone Square

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

San Michele Square

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

Guinigi Tower

One of the most distinctive features of Lucca is the numerous medieval towers in its historic center. Many of these towers can be climbed and have panoramic terraces offering a view 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’s quite a unique feeling to sit in the shade of these trees on the narrow roof while looking over Lucca. However, the Guinigi Tower is best appreciated from a little further away. For a great view of the city including the Guinigi Tower, climb the Clock Tower instead.

Amphitheater Square

Among the many 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’ll pass outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants that fill the space. The traditional buildings gradually curve around you in an intriguing way, and it’s a fun challenge to try to fit them all into one photo.

City Walls

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

You might be surprised to learn that these walls, built in the 16th and 17th centuries, were designed by none other than Leonardo da Vinci. Stretching 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 houses many palaces, some of which can actually be visited. The most worthwhile to visit is the 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 talk about enthusiastically. Leaving the palace, you descend a covered staircase adorned into this elegant sculpture garden with a fountain and lush greenery.

Puccini Museum

Probably Lucca’s most famous son is the celebrated opera composer Giacomo Puccini. The Birthplace Museum is located in the apartment on the second floor of an old 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 that returned the apartment 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 layers with remains of various buildings ranging from the 1st century BC to the 12th century AD, unearthed by an excavation campaign that began in 1969.

2 Natural History Cabinet of the Machiavelli High School

It houses the naturalistic collections of the ancient 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, a 1st century BC Roman Domus, was discovered in 2010 during renovation works of the basement of Palazzo Orsucci in the city center of Lucca. The site, besides revealing an important page of Lucca’s Roman history, features significant architectural evidence from Lombard, medieval, and Renaissance eras: in a single environment you can admire the evolution of construction techniques over 2000 years. Objects of daily life and votive character were found. Among the most valuable: 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 toward the head of a gorgon.

4 Lucca Botanical Garden and Cesare Bicchi Botanical Museum

Established by the will 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 being cataloged. It preserves historical herbariums (Puccinelli, Bicchi, and others).

5 Historical Museum of the Liberation (1943-1945)

The museum is currently closed, being reestablished in another location. It collects various materials related to the liberation war in the Lucca area. The atrium illustrates the Russian campaign (1941-1943). The first room attests to the period 1938-1943. It holds documents relating to racial laws, Italian Army officer uniforms, photographs of the destruction suffered by Italian cities, maps with the location of all prison camps. The second room collects relics and photographs of religious killed by the Nazis. The third room, the largest in the museum, shows numerous display cases containing relics from the Italian Liberation Corps and Allied Expeditionary Corps that participated in the liberation of Italy during 1943-1945, also exhibiting a rich collection of photographs. The fourth room finally shows the contribution of Lucca citizens to the liberation of the province’s territory.

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 with goals of enhancement and dissemination. From these considerations arose the need to create an exhibition space of the Foundation, aimed at making visible the extraordinary documents and the most significant photographs of the Cresci Archive, and offering visitors the chance to retrace the migratory experience through its stages and vicissitudes. In a path capable of arousing curiosity even in foreign visitors, historical films have a decisive role for the emotion that only images can provoke in souls. Thus, a multimedia space has been set up where, besides interviews with emigrants carried out by the Foundation, some historical films are projected.

7 Italian Museum of Comics and Image of Lucca

The museum’s purpose is to preserve and make available to the public the collected heritage (about 30,000 original boards and sketches and about 500,000 albums and magazines) throughout the activity, started in 1965, of the Lucca International Comics Salon. The material is exhibited rotatingly, but full consultation is possible via computerized stations. Multimedia projections and virtual presences of cartoonists telling their work allow visitors to experience a true journey through the history and world of comics.

8 Palazzo Mansi Museum

The National Museum of Palazzo Mansi, a true museum-residence, constitutes an exemplary document of the homes of Lucca merchants. Transformed at the end of the 17th century by the Mansi family, who owned it, into a “representative palace” decorated according to the prevailing Baroque taste, it now 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-manufactured tapestries, the Picture Gallery is housed, with paintings from Italian and non-Italian schools from the 16th to 18th centuries. On the second floor, sections dedicated to the 19th and 20th centuries are arranged, and in the former kitchens of the palace, the Maria Niemack rustic weaving workshop is located, displaying 18th-19th century looms and tools.
The building: Palazzo Mansi
The palace encloses the centuries-old history of the eponymous family who, from the 16th century onwards, managed to diversify their interests combining traditional agricultural and landowning activities with commercial initiatives, greatly increasing economic fortune and social prestige. Of late 16th century design, the result of the union of pre-existing tower houses, the palace was purchased in 1616 by Ascanio Mansi. In the renewal operation commissioned by Raffaello Mansi to the 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 that exalt or somehow allude to the family’s glory. Other recovery and modernization interventions were implemented 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, as it houses 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 commissions. The main core of the collections dates back to the confiscations of ecclesiastical assets before and after the unification of Italy, to which were later added finds from city excavations, new acquisitions, donations and loans from various entities. In the rooms of the Villa, which was the home of Paolo Guinigi, ruler of Lucca from 1400 to 1430, in late Gothic style, the history of the city is traced: the journey starts from the 8th century BC with the archaeological collection and goes up to the 18th century mainly with sacred-themed works. The National Museum of Villa Guinigi is located in the northeastern area of the city of Lucca, outside the 13th-century walls and later incorporated by the 16th-century walls. The Villa, one of the oldest and most prestigious palaces in the city, was built beginning in 1413 by Paolo Guinigi, lord of Lucca until 1430. Born as a suburban villa and summer representative residence, the building was surrounded by a large fenced garden of which today only a portion remains, facing the main façade with the long loggia. After Guinigi’s death, the building suffered serious damages until in 1924, it was designated to house the various city collections as a Civic Museum. In 1948 it was transferred to the State, which arranged for the restoration of the building and the reorganization of the works. It was inaugurated as a National Museum in 1968.

10 State Library of Lucca

The State Library of Lucca, currently 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 printing rights for Lucca by the Lucchese Republic together with an annual allocation for book purchases, and it was opened to the public in 1794.

In 1877, following the substantial acquisition of suppressed ecclesiastical libraries, the Library was transferred to the current building. Thus, the historic library of the Order of the Regular Clerics was incorporated, arranged, as it still is today, in the splendid Baroque monumental hall located on the top floor.

What to see around Lucca

1. Serchio Valley

Just north of Lucca, there is a deep hill area that adds a lot of atmosphere to the city’s landscape. But instead of being just a backdrop, this region hosts the steep and picturesque Serchio Valley. Along this river valley, there are picturesque villages like Bagni di Lucca, and beautiful bridges such as 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 opportunity 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. The Lucchesi Hills and the Wine Route

The hills surrounding Lucca are famous for their rolling vineyards and picturesque farms. This area is known as the Lucchesi 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 flavorful soups from Lucchesia.

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 range 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 destinations, and how it fits into your travel itinerary.

The high season throughout Tuscany, including Lucca, is 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 a bit rainy, and some attractions (like 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. Also, 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 Luminaria di Santa Croce, the biggest religious festival of the year, takes place on September 13th.

How to reach Lucca

Lucca is easily accessible both by car and by train. The central train station of Lucca is located just outside the medieval walls of the city. 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 purchased earlier). Check the 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. Furthermore, 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 central train station. From there take a train to Lucca (30 minutes travel).

How to get around Lucca

During your visit to Lucca, you will mainly get around on foot, since 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 navigate.

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

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

An evergreen 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 a stone’s throw from the Church of San Michele, whose sign dates back to 1870.

The large exterior windows almost form a gallery, while inside stand out the period furnishings, with walnut burl and crystal shelves full of hats that reach almost to the ceiling. Staying on the theme of clothing, it’s worth stopping by 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 the other like Chinese boxes.

Among frescoed ceilings, gilded mirrors, immense droplet chandeliers, velvet sofas, and antique furniture, there are mannequins, fitting rooms, signed fabric samples, and flowing dresses, exclusive and refined creations that the owner leaves here and there in an apparent disorder, so that ladies can touch and try them at will.

Those who love jewelry, especially antique pieces, will find a small Mecca at Gioielleria Carli, at via Fillungo 95, tel. 0583.491119, with beautiful Art Nouveau signs and characteristic dark wood display cases where classy bijoux, rows of rings with large stones, collars, and stolen parures peek out. At no. 18 on the same street, the window of Chiocchetti, tel. 0583.493179, shows collections of silver, and handcrafted pearl and precious stone jewelry.

Those who love design and the creativity of young designers only have to visit the small workshop and studio 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 shop of Isa Zini, in piazza Anfiteatro 32, tel. 0583.492324, with jewelry in essential, almost primitive forms, the result of careful research and attentive experimentation.

How many days in Lucca

Is one day enough in Lucca?

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 the Pfanner Palace 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 understand where to stay in Lucca. To enjoy your visit to the fullest, you will want to stay within 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 lots 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 in 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, such as 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.