Lucca
Lucca is a charming medieval city located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. Surrounded by picturesque Renaissance walls that are now a popular walking and biking path, Lucca boasts a rich history and culture dating back to the Roman era. With its narrow streets, Gothic and Romanesque architecture, and stunning piazzas, Lucca is a beloved destination for travelers seeking an authentic Italian experience. From its beautiful churches and museums to its delicious cuisine and renowned olive oil, Lucca has something to offer everyone who visits.
Which places to visit?
Guinigi Tower: A unique tower with a rooftop garden filled with oak trees and panoramic views of the city. Entrance fee is €8.
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro: A beautiful elliptical square that was once an ancient Roman amphitheater.
Lucca City Walls: An intact 16th-century defensive wall that encircles the city and provides excellent views.
Cathedral of Saint Martin: A stunning Romanesque cathedral with ornate sculptures and beautiful frescoes.
Basilica of San Frediano: A beautiful medieval church with a stunning gold mosaic façade.
Palazzo Pfanner: A beautiful 17th-century palace with a stunning garden and beautiful frescoes. Entrance fee is €7.
Torre delle Ore: A beautiful medieval clock tower with panoramic views of the city. Entrance fee is €5.
Botanical Gardens of Lucca: A beautiful botanical garden with rare plants, ponds, and a greenhouse. Entrance fee is €4.
Piazza Napoleone: A beautiful square with a statue of Napoleon and beautiful neoclassical buildings.
Church of San Michele in Foro: A stunning Romanesque church with beautiful sculptures and intricate designs.
The Best Museums
Palazzo Mansi National Museum: A beautiful museum that showcases the history and art of Lucca from the medieval period to the 19th century. Entrance fee is €5.
Puccini Museum: A museum dedicated to the life and works of the famous Italian composer, Giacomo Puccini. Entrance fee is €7.
Museum of Villa Guinigi: A beautiful museum housed in a stunning 15th-century villa, showcasing the history and art of Lucca from the medieval period to the 18th century. Entrance fee is €5.
Civic Museum of Lucca: A museum housed in a beautiful palace that showcases the history and art of Lucca from the medieval period to the 20th century. Entrance fee is €4.
Cathedral Museum of Lucca: A museum located within the Cathedral of Saint Martin, showcasing the history and art of the cathedral. Entrance fee is €3.
Museum of Sacred Art: A museum housed in the Church of Saints Giovanni and Reparata, showcasing the history and art of the church. Entrance fee is €3.
Museum of Comics and Illustration: A museum dedicated to comics and illustration, showcasing the history and art of this medium. Entrance fee is €3.
Contemporary Art Museum: A museum dedicated to contemporary art, showcasing a range of mediums and styles. Entrance fee is €4.
Archaeological museum: A museum dedicated to the history and archaeology of Lucca, showcasing artifacts from the ancient Etruscan civilization. Entrance fee is €3.
Pinacoteca Nazionale: A museum housed in a beautiful palace that showcases Italian Renaissance paintings from the 14th to the 16th century. Entrance fee is €5.
Where to eat?
Ristorante Buca di Sant’Antonio €€€€ – A long-standing traditional Tuscan restaurant with elegant decor and impeccable service. The menu features classic Tuscan dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina and pappa al pomodoro, as well as an extensive wine list.
Ristorante Puccini €€€€ – Located in a beautiful historic building with a lovely outdoor terrace, this restaurant offers delicious Tuscan cuisine with a modern twist. The menu features dishes such as risotto with truffles and lamb chops with a pistachio crust.
Osteria Baralla €€€ – A cozy and welcoming restaurant with a rustic feel, serving authentic Tuscan dishes such as ribollita and tagliatelle al ragù. They also offer a great selection of local wines.
Osteria da Pasquale €€€ – This charming little osteria offers traditional Tuscan cuisine with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. The menu changes frequently and features dishes such as wild boar stew and roasted rabbit.
Ristorante Giglio €€€€ – A Michelin-starred restaurant with elegant decor and exceptional service. The menu is a mix of traditional Tuscan and modern Italian cuisine, with dishes such as roasted veal with truffles and saffron risotto.
Trattoria da Giulio €€€ – A casual and friendly trattoria with a lively atmosphere and great food. The menu features classic Tuscan dishes such as ribollita, fettuccine with wild boar ragù, and grilled meats.
La Cecca Ristorante Pizzeria €€€ – A popular spot for both locals and tourists, this restaurant serves delicious wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta dishes. The outdoor seating area is lovely in the warmer months.
Ristorante all’Olivo €€€€ – A stylish and sophisticated restaurant located in a beautiful historic building. The menu offers creative and innovative dishes using seasonal ingredients.
Ristorante La Mora €€€€ – A charming restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The menu focuses on traditional Tuscan cuisine with a modern twist, and the wine list features a great selection of local wines.
Pizzeria da Felice €€ – A no-frills pizzeria that serves delicious and affordable pizzas made with fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is lively and casual, and the outdoor seating area is a great spot to people-watch.
Where to Sleep?
Hotel Ilaria & Residenza dell’Alba: A charming hotel set in a renovated 17th-century building in the heart of Lucca.
Hotel Villa La Principessa: A luxurious hotel housed in a beautiful villa surrounded by a large park, just a few minutes’ drive from Lucca’s historic center.
Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli: A boutique hotel located in a restored noble residence with an elegant atmosphere, situated in the heart of Lucca.
Hotel San Marco: A modern hotel located within walking distance of Lucca’s historic center, offering comfortable accommodations and excellent service.
Palazzo Alexander Hotel: A stylish hotel set in a historic palace, with spacious rooms and suites featuring unique, elegant décor.
Albergo Celide: A contemporary hotel located near the historic city walls of Lucca, offering modern accommodations and a range of amenities.
Hotel Napoléon: A classic hotel housed in a restored 19th-century building, featuring comfortable rooms and a convenient location close to Lucca’s historic center.
Hotel Palazzo Guiscardo: A charming hotel set in a restored 19th-century palace, featuring elegant décor and modern amenities.
Hotel Rex: A cozy hotel located in a quiet residential area of Lucca, offering comfortable accommodations and a relaxing atmosphere.
Hotel La Luna: A comfortable hotel situated in the historic center of Lucca, offering easy access to the city’s main attractions and landmarks.
Did you know that..?
…Lucca is known for its well-preserved Renaissance-era walls, which have never been breached by an enemy army. Today, the walls are a popular place for locals and visitors to take a leisurely stroll or bike ride.
…Composer Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca in 1858, and his birthplace is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. The museum includes an extensive collection of Puccini’s personal items, such as musical scores and letters.
…Lucca is famous for its traditional pastry called buccellato. This sweet bread is made with anise seeds and raisins, and it is often eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
…The city is home to a number of beautiful churches, including the Cathedral of San Martino, which dates back to the 11th century. The cathedral is known for its intricately carved facade and stunning interior.
…Lucca is located in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by beautiful countryside and picturesque hilltop towns. It is often referred to as the “City of 100 Churches” because of its large number of religious buildings, many of which date back to the medieval period.
