This walled Tuscan city has Renaissance-era ramparts, medieval churches, and rooftop gardens atop ancient towers. It's known for its oval-shaped piazza and Puccini festivals.
Lucca, a city in Tuscany, Italy, is encircled by Renaissance-era walls that you can walk or cycle along. In the historic center, you'll find the oval-shaped Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, medieval churches like San Michele in Foro, and towers such as the Guinigi Tower with its rooftop garden. As the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini, Lucca celebrates his legacy with an annual festival. The city also hosts popular events like the Lucca Summer Festival and Lucca Comics & Games.
Exploring Lucca's Walls
The 4-kilometer-long Renaissance walls surrounding Lucca's historic center serve as a public park. You can rent a bike from shops near the walls and ride along the tree-lined path. From the walls, you'll see the city's terracotta rooftops and the Tuscan countryside. Throughout the year, you might encounter markets, festivals, and events like the Lucca marathon on the walls.
Lucca's Churches
San Michele in Foro church, built over an ancient Roman forum, has a façade adorned with intricate marble designs. At the Lucca Cathedral (Duomo di San Martino), you can see a large Crucifixion sculpture and an image believed to be the true portrait of Christ. The church of San Frediano stands out with its golden mosaic façade.
The Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro is built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, with surrounding buildings following its elliptical shape. You'll find cafes, restaurants, and shops in this square. It's a good place to have a meal or a drink while observing the distinctive architecture.
Climbing the Guinigi Tower
The Guinigi Tower, a 45-meter-high medieval tower, has a garden of oak trees on its rooftop. You can climb 232 steps to reach the top, where you'll see Lucca and the surrounding area. Wealthy families in Lucca built such towers in the 1300s as symbols of their status and power.
Lucca's Culinary Specialties
Lucca's cuisine includes local specialties like tordelli, a crescent-shaped pasta filled with meat and served with a meat sauce. For dessert, try buccellato, a sweet bread with raisins and anise. You can taste local extra virgin olive oil at shops or restaurants, such as the fruity varieties from the nearby Colline Lucchesi region.
Shopping in Lucca
On Via Fillungo, Lucca's main shopping street, you'll find boutiques, artisan shops, and food stores. Look for locally-made leather goods or browse antique shops. At the Mercato Centrale, Lucca's central market, you can buy regional produce, cheeses like pecorino, and cured meats such as Colonnata lard.
Lucca's Cultural Events
In July, the Lucca Summer Festival brings international music artists to perform in Piazza Napoleone. October sees the city filled with comic book fans, gamers, and cosplayers for Lucca Comics & Games. Classical music enthusiasts can attend the Puccini Festival, which presents operas by Lucca's famous composer, Giacomo Puccini, in nearby Torre del Lago.
