Lucca is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and pleasant towns in Tuscany, a stop not to be missed during a route through the region.
Although it can be visited in a day, it takes a few days to appreciate its richness with the right measure. It also has the advantage of being a good base for exploring northern Tuscany, in a plain at the foot of the Apuan Alps, less than half an hour from the coast or Pisa.
The city attracts many visitors twice a year for two cult events: the Lucca Summer Festival and the Lucca Comics & Games where fans of comics and games come.
Heritage of Lucca
Lucca is a welcoming, clean and tidy city. It has a heritage that dates back to antiquity although the remains of this period are rare, as illustrated by the Piazza Anfiteatro square which has kept the shape of the Roman amphitheatre. The Middle Ages are much more visible, as with the archaeological remains under the church of San Giovanni and Reparata which dates from the 12th century, the various medieval towers and palaces built up to the Renaissance between the 12th and 16th centuries. The city was also enriched later, as with the 18th century palaces of silk merchants.
As for its defensive walls, it is the only one in Tuscany that was built in the modern era in the 16th-17th centuries. They are particularly well preserved and are nowadays adapted in large pedestrian park, opportunity for a nice walk, on foot or by bike.
The historic centre is full of remarkable buildings, Lucca being also called as the city of 100 churches», some of which are very beautiful with their white marbles. The San Michele in Foro church stands on the beautiful Piazza San Michele with its exuberant façade. Also worth mentioning is the basilica San Frediano with its high bell tower. As for the latter, you can climb several towers, including the Clock Tower and the Guinigi Tower, from which you have beautiful views of the rooftops and surroundings. Several museums are also worth a visit, such as the Palazzo Mansi or the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini.
Read also Things to do and see in Lucca
In the vicinity of Lucca, on the Coast of Versilia and its beaches, the Garfagnana is very close in the direction of the Apuan Alps and beyond.
Pisa is 20 km away, Pistoia 40 km, Prato 55 km and Florence 70 km. Volterra is in the heart of the region at 70 km.
Suggested tours and activities
Where is Lucca, map
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Links and sources
- General information : en.wikipedia.org
- Municipal tourist portal : www.turismo.lucca.it
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